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Intertwined Souls #3
Awakenings
In the fourth installment of the Intertwined Souls Series, Awakenings, continues Eva and Zoe's emotional journey back to Larissa. Eva not only has to deal with her wartime memories in a town that despised her, but she also has to contend with a woman from the past with extraordinary paranormal abilities. Faced with a graphic reminder of her tortured past, Eva's bravery and resilience are brought to the fore. Zoe contends with her own harrowing memories and relives a day that shattered her soul. Larissa once again tests Eva and Zoe's mettle.
In Germany they discover Eva's empathic ability is far more potent than they realize. An awakening of Eva's paranormal abilities begin to surface. A shocking family secret that has spanned generations is finally revealed. The formidable matriarch of the Muller family asserts her authority and an unwelcome visitor will discover that having Zoe against you is not for the faint of heart.
Eva and Zoe face the revelations with grace, humor, courage and resilience. Their lives are once again altered in ways neither of them expect and they are given a rare glimpse into their future.
In Germany they discover Eva's empathic ability is far more potent than they realize. An awakening of Eva's paranormal abilities begin to surface. A shocking family secret that has spanned generations is finally revealed. The formidable matriarch of the Muller family asserts her authority and an unwelcome visitor will discover that having Zoe against you is not for the faint of heart.
Eva and Zoe face the revelations with grace, humor, courage and resilience. Their lives are once again altered in ways neither of them expect and they are given a rare glimpse into their future.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2014
165 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 13, 2017
They're getting longer! lol. Loved this one too. Little confusing with all the family tree's branching out the way they are. And while still historical fiction, this one steps over to more than dabble in the paranormal. I did notice on my kindle that there appears to be some formatting issues with what looks like edited sections. The text appears grey as opposed to the normal dark typesetting. Anyway. A LOT happens in this one. Evy and Zoe *still* haven't made it back to Australia yet. I have a feeling they will be in book 5... God I love Zoe, lol she's such a hellion. Loved it!
November 11, 2017
They're getting better and better, heh. Absolutely loved it. Tons of good feels, with manageable bumps. Half way through the series. Eva and Zoe go *back* to Greece in this one. This series is like the anti GoT. In GoT MC's aren't safe from the sword. In this? Mmm.. People who you think you'd never see again seem to make an appearance. Heading out for book 4 :)
January 10, 2020
Hidden Truth (Intertwined Soul Series Book 3) -- Mary D. Brooks (41+ chapters)
Warning: This third book in the series contains paranormal events.
I’m an optimistic reader. Truly, I am. But so far, the books coming after the well balanced and written first book in this series have really been a disappointment.
Color me not impressed. By the end of this book, I realized I can't continue the series going forward. The long and the short of it: I wasn't expected the paranormal aspect in this series. That alone disappointed me. It was as though the author did not know how to continue the series since most of the other ties had been resolved.
This series had so much potential when I started reading book one. I was excited to continue the story in book two. I was getting more skeptical by the end of that book, but book three "jumped the shark".
The book seems to wander and never really settle on a story. There was no hook until chapter nine (I thought,) but then that hook didn't really lead to anywhere. So, then I thought the hook happened on the boat. But that ended. And then the paranormal showed up. Granted, there were hints of paranormal through the other two books, but I honestly did not see this development coming. That turned me off of reading anymore in the series.
What started out as a decent WWII lesbian adventure fiction, turned into something I was ended up not wanting to read at all. I wish I had known that it was going to become a paranormal series up front. This book isn't even listed that way, and it really should have been. I wouldn't have read it had I know that. In the end, I felt like I wasted several days reading (including book two and this one,) and I really have no care about what happens to these characters anymore. Sad.
Two stars.
Warning: This third book in the series contains paranormal events.
I’m an optimistic reader. Truly, I am. But so far, the books coming after the well balanced and written first book in this series have really been a disappointment.
Color me not impressed. By the end of this book, I realized I can't continue the series going forward. The long and the short of it: I wasn't expected the paranormal aspect in this series. That alone disappointed me. It was as though the author did not know how to continue the series since most of the other ties had been resolved.
This series had so much potential when I started reading book one. I was excited to continue the story in book two. I was getting more skeptical by the end of that book, but book three "jumped the shark".
The book seems to wander and never really settle on a story. There was no hook until chapter nine (I thought,) but then that hook didn't really lead to anywhere. So, then I thought the hook happened on the boat. But that ended. And then the paranormal showed up. Granted, there were hints of paranormal through the other two books, but I honestly did not see this development coming. That turned me off of reading anymore in the series.
What started out as a decent WWII lesbian adventure fiction, turned into something I was ended up not wanting to read at all. I wish I had known that it was going to become a paranormal series up front. This book isn't even listed that way, and it really should have been. I wouldn't have read it had I know that. In the end, I felt like I wasted several days reading (including book two and this one,) and I really have no care about what happens to these characters anymore. Sad.
Two stars.
December 12, 2020
A bomb! Not the bomb, just a bomb
After reading and enjoying the first two books, I was looking forward to this book. Wow was I disappointed. Boring would be putting it mildly. Through the whole book, the main characters were either kissing or crying. I finished it only because I hate to leave a book unfinished. Then to top it off, the author went on "supernatural tangent" which completely ruined the book. She should have quit at book two.
After reading and enjoying the first two books, I was looking forward to this book. Wow was I disappointed. Boring would be putting it mildly. Through the whole book, the main characters were either kissing or crying. I finished it only because I hate to leave a book unfinished. Then to top it off, the author went on "supernatural tangent" which completely ruined the book. She should have quit at book two.
November 22, 2018
In this third book chronicling the lives of Eva and Zoe, who met during WWII in Greece and have begun their new lives together in Australia, Zoe is persuaded to go back to her home town in Greece to claim her inherited land and property under a new law. The two board a ship to Greece, meet some interesting people, and then get to their destination where some remarkable discoveries await.
These remarkable discoveries mostly take place in the last 20% of the book, which was the most interesting and engaging section. Unfortunately, most of the rest of the 80% was a continuing depiction of Eva and Zoe's life together and their great love for one another. The book could have been much shorter or combined with the next book, which takes the couple to Germany where Eva confronts her past.
This is the problem with multi-book series: there's a lot of filler and recitation of back story, which if you've read the previous books is unnecessary. Very few series books surmount this problem, and unfortunately, this is not one of them.
I'll probably keep reading about these two because Brooks has given us two well drawn characters, but I wish she'd have tightened things up so that I didn't feel like parts of this book were a slog.
These remarkable discoveries mostly take place in the last 20% of the book, which was the most interesting and engaging section. Unfortunately, most of the rest of the 80% was a continuing depiction of Eva and Zoe's life together and their great love for one another. The book could have been much shorter or combined with the next book, which takes the couple to Germany where Eva confronts her past.
This is the problem with multi-book series: there's a lot of filler and recitation of back story, which if you've read the previous books is unnecessary. Very few series books surmount this problem, and unfortunately, this is not one of them.
I'll probably keep reading about these two because Brooks has given us two well drawn characters, but I wish she'd have tightened things up so that I didn't feel like parts of this book were a slog.
August 15, 2015
Reunion – A review of the novel ‘Awakenings’
“Nothing changes until people decide to do the things they must, in order to bring about peace.” - Shannon L. Alder
‘Awakenings’ is Mary D. Brooks’s fourth novel in the Intertwined Souls series of books. The story continues from where it was left off previously and we finally learn about Eva’s mystery shrouded past. The time spent in Larissa and Germany also turn out to be a major turning point in the lives of the novel’s protagonists. Because here they find closure from past nightmares and also catch a glimpse into a beautiful event in their future together.
Coming off what can only be described as a restrained storyline of book 3, ‘Awakenings’ is jam-packed with action and adventure. And thankfully it hasn’t forgotten to base it around a riveting narrative like the series is famous for. We are rushed straight into the grand mystery that was hinted about in the earlier book and it will come across as a bit of shock. That being said, the book retains the witty anecdotes and one-liners one is accustomed to from this series and it provides many light moments in the narrative. The prime focus this time around lies on the events leading up to the revelation of the big secret and how Eva deals with it. Eva’s past has always been shrouded in mystery and hasn’t found much mention in the previous books but here it’s explored in great detail. You should find answers to every question or doubt you may have had about Eva in the past.
Stella and Tessa were two characters that got introduced towards the end of the previous book and here they have a substantial role to play in the narrative. Their similarities with Eva and Zoe go beyond the blood relation they share with them and are sort of an appropriation of how Eva and Zoe would be like when they get older. A lot of other characters turn up in the form of Eva’s extended family and friends who all provide crucial input to solving the riddle that was Eva up until now. This novel also sees the entry of two characters in the form of Eva’s uncle Dieter and Grandmother Beatriz, the dreaded duo who have often remained in the shadows of the previous book’s narrative. Their entry and subsequent high octane dramatic scenes provides Zoe and Eva with some long overdue closure.
‘Awakenings’ has a fluidic narrative that utilizes some finely written dialogue pieces to raise questions and answer them to move the story forward effortlessly. Even though the story this time comprises of a lot of background information and key plot points, it’s still an effortless read and the kind of book that makes you want to explore the other books in the series as well. Eva and Zoe continue to be these wonderful characters that we’ve grown to love and they provide us with plenty of moments to cheer them.
“Nothing changes until people decide to do the things they must, in order to bring about peace.” - Shannon L. Alder
‘Awakenings’ is Mary D. Brooks’s fourth novel in the Intertwined Souls series of books. The story continues from where it was left off previously and we finally learn about Eva’s mystery shrouded past. The time spent in Larissa and Germany also turn out to be a major turning point in the lives of the novel’s protagonists. Because here they find closure from past nightmares and also catch a glimpse into a beautiful event in their future together.
Coming off what can only be described as a restrained storyline of book 3, ‘Awakenings’ is jam-packed with action and adventure. And thankfully it hasn’t forgotten to base it around a riveting narrative like the series is famous for. We are rushed straight into the grand mystery that was hinted about in the earlier book and it will come across as a bit of shock. That being said, the book retains the witty anecdotes and one-liners one is accustomed to from this series and it provides many light moments in the narrative. The prime focus this time around lies on the events leading up to the revelation of the big secret and how Eva deals with it. Eva’s past has always been shrouded in mystery and hasn’t found much mention in the previous books but here it’s explored in great detail. You should find answers to every question or doubt you may have had about Eva in the past.
Stella and Tessa were two characters that got introduced towards the end of the previous book and here they have a substantial role to play in the narrative. Their similarities with Eva and Zoe go beyond the blood relation they share with them and are sort of an appropriation of how Eva and Zoe would be like when they get older. A lot of other characters turn up in the form of Eva’s extended family and friends who all provide crucial input to solving the riddle that was Eva up until now. This novel also sees the entry of two characters in the form of Eva’s uncle Dieter and Grandmother Beatriz, the dreaded duo who have often remained in the shadows of the previous book’s narrative. Their entry and subsequent high octane dramatic scenes provides Zoe and Eva with some long overdue closure.
‘Awakenings’ has a fluidic narrative that utilizes some finely written dialogue pieces to raise questions and answer them to move the story forward effortlessly. Even though the story this time comprises of a lot of background information and key plot points, it’s still an effortless read and the kind of book that makes you want to explore the other books in the series as well. Eva and Zoe continue to be these wonderful characters that we’ve grown to love and they provide us with plenty of moments to cheer them.
August 14, 2015
Back Home – A review of the novel ‘Hidden Truths’
“Perhaps home is not a place but simply an irrevocable condition.” - James Baldwin
Mary D. Brooks’s ‘Hidden Truths’ is a fictional story set in post WWII Australia and Greece. At the heart of it lies an emotion rich, soulful love story between two women. Having come a long way since the troublesome Greece episode that coincidentally brought them together, they now find themselves on a ship heading back home. And here they run into people that ties them to their past and the reader also gets to discover explosive secrets about one of the main character. This is the third book in the Intertwined Souls series of books.
Hidden Truths for a new reader is a wholesome fictional book that never feels like the third book of a big series. The story has been adapted to include a lot of information and back-story about each character and you can very well use this book as an introduction to this series without missing out on anything substantial. But for followers of the series, Hidden Truths can be described as a bridge book that in effect tells the story so far for about 90% of its length and then introduces some startling revelations towards the end. And for the first time in the series, this book ends on a cliff-hanger note after hitting the reader with some shocking news about one of its main characters.
What works for this book and the series in general is the free flowing narrative. The author has tremendous skill over her craft and keeps the reader engaged at all times. There’s never a dull moment and she achieves this with the help of some truly stand-out characters. Eva and Zoe appear life-like and their love story isn’t overtly highlighted as lesbian love and retains all that’s great of fictional romances. Irrespective of your sexual orientation, characters like these are going to induce a bit of daydreaming and fantasy in reader’s minds. And in this episode since they have already been together for quite some time now, they’ve even started exhibiting each other’s characteristics in certain situations. The supporting casts have a more muted role to play this time considering their overwhelming presence in the previous book. And we get introduced to a new character in Theodore, Zoe’s missing brother from the war and he occupies the space occupied by Henry in the previous edition.
The revelation of Eva’s past and the subsequent entry of a couple of characters should make up for interesting reading in the next edition. The characters have come a long way since we’ve been introduced to them in the first book and the fact that they continue to excite us speaks a lot about the author’s success with them.
“Perhaps home is not a place but simply an irrevocable condition.” - James Baldwin
Mary D. Brooks’s ‘Hidden Truths’ is a fictional story set in post WWII Australia and Greece. At the heart of it lies an emotion rich, soulful love story between two women. Having come a long way since the troublesome Greece episode that coincidentally brought them together, they now find themselves on a ship heading back home. And here they run into people that ties them to their past and the reader also gets to discover explosive secrets about one of the main character. This is the third book in the Intertwined Souls series of books.
Hidden Truths for a new reader is a wholesome fictional book that never feels like the third book of a big series. The story has been adapted to include a lot of information and back-story about each character and you can very well use this book as an introduction to this series without missing out on anything substantial. But for followers of the series, Hidden Truths can be described as a bridge book that in effect tells the story so far for about 90% of its length and then introduces some startling revelations towards the end. And for the first time in the series, this book ends on a cliff-hanger note after hitting the reader with some shocking news about one of its main characters.
What works for this book and the series in general is the free flowing narrative. The author has tremendous skill over her craft and keeps the reader engaged at all times. There’s never a dull moment and she achieves this with the help of some truly stand-out characters. Eva and Zoe appear life-like and their love story isn’t overtly highlighted as lesbian love and retains all that’s great of fictional romances. Irrespective of your sexual orientation, characters like these are going to induce a bit of daydreaming and fantasy in reader’s minds. And in this episode since they have already been together for quite some time now, they’ve even started exhibiting each other’s characteristics in certain situations. The supporting casts have a more muted role to play this time considering their overwhelming presence in the previous book. And we get introduced to a new character in Theodore, Zoe’s missing brother from the war and he occupies the space occupied by Henry in the previous edition.
The revelation of Eva’s past and the subsequent entry of a couple of characters should make up for interesting reading in the next edition. The characters have come a long way since we’ve been introduced to them in the first book and the fact that they continue to excite us speaks a lot about the author’s success with them.
July 15, 2015
I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
“No Journey will be what we think it will be.” That’s what Johan, one of the characters we meet in this book says, and I thought it nicely encapsulated the entire novel really, really well. I went into the novel thinking it was going to be one thing, and it turned out to be a totally different novel, in a good way, than I imagined it would be.
The novel starts where Hidden Truths left off. Eva and Zoe are still in Greece with their ‘re-found’ families and as the novel progresses we meet more and more of their extended family. White I was reading I was pretty sure that I had the sprawling family tree correct in my head, but, just in case someone doesn’t, there’s a really handy family tree at the end of the book as well. (I have to say that I always like having that sort of thing in a book, either at the beginning or the end. One of my other very favorite authors has a series that in each and every book of it there is a family tree at the beginning).
I will say that I find it a little bit hard to describe exactly parts of the novel’s plot. It wasn’t quite supernatural or fantasy, but it wasn’t a totally romance plot either. There was some action in it, and maybe calling it a spiritual plot is a good place to start, but even that doesn’t totally explain it. On the other hand, while it was a faith and spiritual plot, it was definitely not what I think of as a ‘religious’ plot. I think that one of the reasons that it didn’t turn into a ‘religious’ book is because the differing opinions of Zoe and Eva helped balance out the narrative a whole lot.
As I said there was still a good amount of action (don’t mess with red heads), but overall this was a book much more about explanations than action. It was a nice change in the series.
There were a few times in the narrative that it did seem to me like some information had been ‘told for the first time’ to characters when I could have sworn they already knew the information, but, that was a small thing. And other than that I thought the plot and narrative flowed well.
Oh, and how could I forget, my heavens, that story about Jasper the bunny. So hilarious, I was still laughing 200 pages later.
“No Journey will be what we think it will be.” That’s what Johan, one of the characters we meet in this book says, and I thought it nicely encapsulated the entire novel really, really well. I went into the novel thinking it was going to be one thing, and it turned out to be a totally different novel, in a good way, than I imagined it would be.
The novel starts where Hidden Truths left off. Eva and Zoe are still in Greece with their ‘re-found’ families and as the novel progresses we meet more and more of their extended family. White I was reading I was pretty sure that I had the sprawling family tree correct in my head, but, just in case someone doesn’t, there’s a really handy family tree at the end of the book as well. (I have to say that I always like having that sort of thing in a book, either at the beginning or the end. One of my other very favorite authors has a series that in each and every book of it there is a family tree at the beginning).
I will say that I find it a little bit hard to describe exactly parts of the novel’s plot. It wasn’t quite supernatural or fantasy, but it wasn’t a totally romance plot either. There was some action in it, and maybe calling it a spiritual plot is a good place to start, but even that doesn’t totally explain it. On the other hand, while it was a faith and spiritual plot, it was definitely not what I think of as a ‘religious’ plot. I think that one of the reasons that it didn’t turn into a ‘religious’ book is because the differing opinions of Zoe and Eva helped balance out the narrative a whole lot.
As I said there was still a good amount of action (don’t mess with red heads), but overall this was a book much more about explanations than action. It was a nice change in the series.
There were a few times in the narrative that it did seem to me like some information had been ‘told for the first time’ to characters when I could have sworn they already knew the information, but, that was a small thing. And other than that I thought the plot and narrative flowed well.
Oh, and how could I forget, my heavens, that story about Jasper the bunny. So hilarious, I was still laughing 200 pages later.
July 15, 2015
So. I read the first two books, and then I saw this one come up as a Kindle free book on Amazon and I may have After the intensity of the previous book (the the length that went hand in hand with its intensity) this third book in the Intertwined Souls series seemed to me like it was sort of like a chance for readers of the series to catch our breaths.
The novel starts in Australia in 1950. Zoe and Eva have settled into their lives. The jump in time threw me off just a little at first, but, soon I had figured out what was going on and got back into the flow of the story. There’s still plenty of plot that includes Earl, and Elena and Frederick are eagerly awaiting a new addition to their family, also I did notice that Henry was a little absent which bummed me out just a tiny little bit.
Still, the new characters that we met in the second half of the story, both on Eva and Zoe’s journey to Greece and once they got to Greece totally made up for the lack of Henry. They, along with so much of the rest of the book, just filled up Eva and Zoe’s back story so fully. I’ve read a lot, lot, lot of serieses, in all genres. And even just three stories in, this one already has such a rich world with so much awesome interconnectedness and such a history.
I also love it that I’m not getting past the place that wayy back when I had stopped reading and so around every ‘corner’ of the book is another surprise that makes me either wince or cheer (though the cheering is mostly internally so that I don’t disturb those around me). Another great entry into the Intertwined Souls series for sure.
The novel starts in Australia in 1950. Zoe and Eva have settled into their lives. The jump in time threw me off just a little at first, but, soon I had figured out what was going on and got back into the flow of the story. There’s still plenty of plot that includes Earl, and Elena and Frederick are eagerly awaiting a new addition to their family, also I did notice that Henry was a little absent which bummed me out just a tiny little bit.
Still, the new characters that we met in the second half of the story, both on Eva and Zoe’s journey to Greece and once they got to Greece totally made up for the lack of Henry. They, along with so much of the rest of the book, just filled up Eva and Zoe’s back story so fully. I’ve read a lot, lot, lot of serieses, in all genres. And even just three stories in, this one already has such a rich world with so much awesome interconnectedness and such a history.
I also love it that I’m not getting past the place that wayy back when I had stopped reading and so around every ‘corner’ of the book is another surprise that makes me either wince or cheer (though the cheering is mostly internally so that I don’t disturb those around me). Another great entry into the Intertwined Souls series for sure.
January 15, 2014
Hidden Truths is the third installment of the Intertwined Souls series. Eva and Zoe, now settled in Australia, are about to embark on a journey back to where it all started. Family ties, old friends, surprising allies, lingering ghosts from the past, unexpected challenges... You will find all of that and more in this captivating novel.
Mary D. Brooks just oozes talent, and here she delivers another winner. Characterization is without a doubt one of her strongest points as a writer. Eva and Zoe keep growing and evolving, and they are so well developed that the reader perceives them as distinctly believable. I must confess I'm hopelessly in love with both of them. The two main characters share the world of Hidden Truths with a wonderful supporting cast --unforgettable characters who stand out in their own right and add depth and strength to the story line.
There are plot twists that will take your breath away, there are touching scenes that will find their way to your heart and stay there, there are moments filled with that witty sense of humor so peculiar to Mary D. Brooks, and there is love, because Hidden Truths is a love story, a story about how love can and will give you courage to face the shadows of the past, and hope to start building new dreams for the future. It's time for Eva and Zoe to start healing, it's time to bring those hidden truths to light.
The journey continues, and what a thrilling ride it is.
Mary D. Brooks just oozes talent, and here she delivers another winner. Characterization is without a doubt one of her strongest points as a writer. Eva and Zoe keep growing and evolving, and they are so well developed that the reader perceives them as distinctly believable. I must confess I'm hopelessly in love with both of them. The two main characters share the world of Hidden Truths with a wonderful supporting cast --unforgettable characters who stand out in their own right and add depth and strength to the story line.
There are plot twists that will take your breath away, there are touching scenes that will find their way to your heart and stay there, there are moments filled with that witty sense of humor so peculiar to Mary D. Brooks, and there is love, because Hidden Truths is a love story, a story about how love can and will give you courage to face the shadows of the past, and hope to start building new dreams for the future. It's time for Eva and Zoe to start healing, it's time to bring those hidden truths to light.
The journey continues, and what a thrilling ride it is.
December 14, 2014
I've never read lesbian fiction before, historical or not. I have to say that I was completely blown away by the story and the passionate relationship between Eva and Zoe. I made the mistake of jumping right into the middle of the series, and now I feel I must start from the beginning to watch their romance blossom.
I really enjoyed the depth that Mary D. Brooks added to her characters. Both Zoe and Eva had their own troubling childhoods that color who they are today and how they react to each other. Beyond the quality of the characters, I also found the international 1940s setting to be well researched and well written. You can tell Brooks really knows her stuff about the era, and spared no expense in creating a descriptive backdrop for the unique characters.
I peg Brooks as a traditional writer, in the sense that you can tell that she worked and reworked this story with friends and editors until it became the best it could be. I read a lot of self published books on Kindle, and you don’t see this kind of effort that often. It’s been really refreshing to read such a high quality piece of fiction.
I really enjoyed the depth that Mary D. Brooks added to her characters. Both Zoe and Eva had their own troubling childhoods that color who they are today and how they react to each other. Beyond the quality of the characters, I also found the international 1940s setting to be well researched and well written. You can tell Brooks really knows her stuff about the era, and spared no expense in creating a descriptive backdrop for the unique characters.
I peg Brooks as a traditional writer, in the sense that you can tell that she worked and reworked this story with friends and editors until it became the best it could be. I read a lot of self published books on Kindle, and you don’t see this kind of effort that often. It’s been really refreshing to read such a high quality piece of fiction.
March 25, 2014
I was asked by the author to review this book. In this review bear in mind that I did not read the other two books preceding Hidden Truths so, much of the pathos and details I could only partially savour.
What I can presume is that this book is sort of an epilogue of a very intense and troubled relationship between the two women protagonist in the second world war period with all its atrocities. And from what I can guess, in the previous books our heroines had their personal stories laced in such barbarities but also graced with great acts of courage, love and patriotism.
Eva and Zoe have an incredible love forged through unspeakable events that only in this last book the details from behind the scenes emerge. This book comes through to me as the volume that brings healing to wounds both physical and physiological, individual and family wise and as a fresh start to many questions that were left unanswered.
So I would suggest to read the previous books if you would like to enjoy to the full the dramatic plot that unfolds in a very heart rendering saga.
What I can presume is that this book is sort of an epilogue of a very intense and troubled relationship between the two women protagonist in the second world war period with all its atrocities. And from what I can guess, in the previous books our heroines had their personal stories laced in such barbarities but also graced with great acts of courage, love and patriotism.
Eva and Zoe have an incredible love forged through unspeakable events that only in this last book the details from behind the scenes emerge. This book comes through to me as the volume that brings healing to wounds both physical and physiological, individual and family wise and as a fresh start to many questions that were left unanswered.
So I would suggest to read the previous books if you would like to enjoy to the full the dramatic plot that unfolds in a very heart rendering saga.
February 11, 2015
Mary D. Brooks “Awakenings”, Part Four of the Intertwined Souls series delivers more of the eloquent story and vibrant characters we have come to love. Brooks crafts a heavy tale of historical romance interspersed with paranormal experiences. Tessa's glimpses into time always peak my interest.
Eva and Zoe's love story continues more freely and with an added layer of depth. It is inspiring to learn how deeply these characters care for one and other. We learn more about Tessa and Stella's history. Eva still finds herself traumatized by some of the horrid medical treatments she experienced at a mental hospital. Zoe and Eva's family attempt to rally together in hopes of helping Eva cope with her mental anguish. Will their efforts be enough to save Eva from the emotional walls she has constructed?
Awakenings discusses several heavy topics and handles them with grace. Though the story covered many issues, I would have liked to read more about the supernatural elements of the characters. Overall an interesting story, it kept me reading from page one to the end.
Eva and Zoe's love story continues more freely and with an added layer of depth. It is inspiring to learn how deeply these characters care for one and other. We learn more about Tessa and Stella's history. Eva still finds herself traumatized by some of the horrid medical treatments she experienced at a mental hospital. Zoe and Eva's family attempt to rally together in hopes of helping Eva cope with her mental anguish. Will their efforts be enough to save Eva from the emotional walls she has constructed?
Awakenings discusses several heavy topics and handles them with grace. Though the story covered many issues, I would have liked to read more about the supernatural elements of the characters. Overall an interesting story, it kept me reading from page one to the end.
February 13, 2015
Eva has had a life of pain and suffering for as long as she can remember. The majority of it came from her stepfather and his family. With her mother dead, her partner, Zoe, is the only family she has left as far as she is concerned. Now as she tries to move forward with Zoe, more family and secrets are revealed one by one, causing her to question everything she ever knew.
Even though this was the fourth book of this series, I was able to keep up with everything going on. I like that all the past happenings are explained throughout the plot, keeping me abreast of why things are the way they are. The characters of Eva and Zoe complimented each other, and I really liked them as a couple, which was a surprise to me. I wasn’t expecting much out of this story, but became thoroughly engrossed almost immediately. It had the right amount of sexual interaction for me to enjoy the entire read without distraction.
Even though this was the fourth book of this series, I was able to keep up with everything going on. I like that all the past happenings are explained throughout the plot, keeping me abreast of why things are the way they are. The characters of Eva and Zoe complimented each other, and I really liked them as a couple, which was a surprise to me. I wasn’t expecting much out of this story, but became thoroughly engrossed almost immediately. It had the right amount of sexual interaction for me to enjoy the entire read without distraction.
January 28, 2023
Awakenings is the fourth book in the Intertwined Souls Series. It might just be my favorite so far. The book introduces us to some new characters as well as some old ones that I have grown to love. This book will take you through a plethora of emotions. It will also have you going back because of the twists that Mary D. loves to throw in. This book delves further in to the mysteries of Eva's past and offers glimpses into her and Zoe's future. The series is written in such a way that you feel as though you are right there with the characters. Feeling what they feel.
Mary D. is one of the most talented writers I have come across. I have found myself reading and re-reading the entire series.
If you have not read books 1, 2 and 3 then I implore you to do so. I promise it is well worth it.
Mary D. is one of the most talented writers I have come across. I have found myself reading and re-reading the entire series.
If you have not read books 1, 2 and 3 then I implore you to do so. I promise it is well worth it.
October 2, 2019
In this penultimate book in the series, Eva and Zoe travel back to two significant places in Europe: Larissa, Greece, Zoe's hometown where the two met during the war; and Berlin, where Eva grew up. During this trip, many secrets are revealed about family connections and about the special gifts that the women in Eva's family, including Eva, possess. Through it all, the incredible romantic bond that Zoe and Eva have together is beautifully shown.
It's hard to keep a reader interested in characters after Book 1's HEA. This series accomplishes that difficult task. I'm rating it a 4 because while the book is quite good, it wasn't exceptional or highly engaging. But I do have Book 5 on my Kindle and look forward to reading it.
It's hard to keep a reader interested in characters after Book 1's HEA. This series accomplishes that difficult task. I'm rating it a 4 because while the book is quite good, it wasn't exceptional or highly engaging. But I do have Book 5 on my Kindle and look forward to reading it.
July 18, 2015
This is the fourth book of the series, so the readers must already like something about it.
I wanted to see a continuation of Eva and Zoe's story as well as their character growth. I wanted to see where fate would lead them and how they would handle the challenges presented to them.
I got that and more.
Eva's growth is more pronounced in this book, to the point I say this one is more about her than the other characters (unlike the first book, which was primarily about Zoe).
Also, a couple of the twists took me by surprise.
I found the book to be quite entertaining, and it did its final job well. I am waiting eagerly for the next chapter.
I wanted to see a continuation of Eva and Zoe's story as well as their character growth. I wanted to see where fate would lead them and how they would handle the challenges presented to them.
I got that and more.
Eva's growth is more pronounced in this book, to the point I say this one is more about her than the other characters (unlike the first book, which was primarily about Zoe).
Also, a couple of the twists took me by surprise.
I found the book to be quite entertaining, and it did its final job well. I am waiting eagerly for the next chapter.
April 17, 2016
An easy read and quite enjoyable lesbian fiction, there is even the beginings of a third act which so many novels lack. However, it is a bit too simply written and there's not really enough to recommend this to a non gay reader. There is a reasonable background, Greece in WWII, which you don't always get but this aspect is spread a bit thin as this is but one of a series of books featuring these characters. I can't help feeling though that if one or two of these novels had been combined, then there would've been a seriously good novel here. So likeable if this is your thing but not a must read.
July 10, 2020
There were parts of this book I throughly enjoyed and others where I wanted to stop reading. It’s so lovely having a book, even better a series, of a lesbian couple who isn’t breaking up and getting back together every other chapter or in a BDSM world 24/7 (though these can be nice). Zoe’s character has grown for sure since book one but there are elements where it seems the author forgot and had her acting like a child. Sure, she missed out on much of her growing up due to past events explained earlier in the series. I can’t say I’ll be finishing this series at this time. I’m okay with the ending even though the aunts’ introduction seemed quite abrupt.
February 12, 2014
Awakenings is the fourth novel in the Intertwined Souls series, and the best one so far. A riveting plot, a set of memorable characters, a couple of unexpected twists, a healthy dose of wit and humor, and another of intensity and emotion, a whole lot of passion and love, a flowing pace and engaging dialogue, and MaryD's unique narrative voice. These are the ingredients that make a truly outstanding novel, one you don't want to miss. I can guarantee you will fall in love with Eva, and with Zoe, and with their story.
December 15, 2014
Awakenings is an emotional story that will have you captivated with each turn of a page. Mary D. Brooks writes an excellent story taking place sometime in the past yet extremely relate-able to anyone today. You follow the life and growing love between two incredibly intriguing yet special characters, Eva & Zoe, through sufferings, pain, joy, and love. This was a very entertaining read that had me drawn in until the very end.
January 5, 2019
Hidden truths is the 3rd book in thus amazing series. It pretty much picks up where Shadows Linger left off. This book, like all the other books in this stores will have you laughing and crying and laughing again. It feels as though you have stepped from the present to the past and right into Eva and Zoe's shoes. If you haven't already I urge you to read the first two books before reading this one. Missing out on even the smallest detail is almost a crime in itself.
February 27, 2015
Beautifully written this isn't something I would have read if not for some very strong reviews. Apart from being enjoyable it made me realise how our perception has changed over the years. The characters are tenderly portrayed and the settings with which I am familiar were very well described.
February 14, 2016
Addictive
I downloaded book 2 because it was free. I became addicted. I read 3 and 4 in 1 1/2 days. Just downloaded book 5. Eva and Zoe come alive in each book. Though they have been through so much darkness, they are finding the light together.
I downloaded book 2 because it was free. I became addicted. I read 3 and 4 in 1 1/2 days. Just downloaded book 5. Eva and Zoe come alive in each book. Though they have been through so much darkness, they are finding the light together.
October 14, 2017
Awakenings
A stunning masterpiece of literature that needs to be read by all. This drama reveals so much of history mixed with a family like no other. It was a blessing to read it from cover to cover.
A stunning masterpiece of literature that needs to be read by all. This drama reveals so much of history mixed with a family like no other. It was a blessing to read it from cover to cover.
May 19, 2020
Don’t ruin a good thing.
I have been happily enjoying this lesbian love story. I really like that it isn’t filled with needless sex. This book however, got a too into religion for me so it lost a star. I hope that theme doesn’t continue.
I have been happily enjoying this lesbian love story. I really like that it isn’t filled with needless sex. This book however, got a too into religion for me so it lost a star. I hope that theme doesn’t continue.
May 15, 2015
Tina loved it! Said it was easy read and very engaging. She is already finished in first 3 books of series. Fourth book
Preordered for June 1, 2015.
Preordered for June 1, 2015.
June 2, 2015
Hidden truths one of the best book that i have read and it being the 3rd book in a searise that i just finished and i just started the 4th great writing and it keeps you interested.
July 11, 2015
A nice, solid read.
I enjoyed this volume much more than #2. More surprises as well as new & exciting characters. Zoe and Eva are still the cutest!
I enjoyed this volume much more than #2. More surprises as well as new & exciting characters. Zoe and Eva are still the cutest!
June 9, 2015
I really enjoyed getting to meet the family on both sides. It was a wonderful book!
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