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White Ashes
Rachael Farrington is sitting on a riverbank when young Jason Beauvale wanders into her life. The two become inseparable, but Rachael’s mother is suspicious of the boy; he’s wealthy and, for reasons of her own, she has no trust for him and his kind.
As the couple become closer, Jason shares a secret: Many years earlier he witnessed his father escape, badly injured, under a hail of bullets. He doesn’t know why it happened, or if his father survived, or why his mother then chose a life in hiding, refusing to speak much of him or their past lives again. These are mysteries that haunt the boy and which he aches to resolve.
In an ironic twist, as the young couple battle against those determined to end their passionate relationship, they are confronted by the very forces that lurked in Jason’s past.
In the turmoil that follows, loved ones soon face abduction, imprisonment and death, as an unscrupulous organization, known as The Syndicate, seeks to fulfill a long-outstanding resolution to which Jason unwittingly becomes the key.
The fight for justice falls to Rachael, but with high-ranking police corruption working to defeat her, how can she alone bring The Syndicate down?
As the couple become closer, Jason shares a secret: Many years earlier he witnessed his father escape, badly injured, under a hail of bullets. He doesn’t know why it happened, or if his father survived, or why his mother then chose a life in hiding, refusing to speak much of him or their past lives again. These are mysteries that haunt the boy and which he aches to resolve.
In an ironic twist, as the young couple battle against those determined to end their passionate relationship, they are confronted by the very forces that lurked in Jason’s past.
In the turmoil that follows, loved ones soon face abduction, imprisonment and death, as an unscrupulous organization, known as The Syndicate, seeks to fulfill a long-outstanding resolution to which Jason unwittingly becomes the key.
The fight for justice falls to Rachael, but with high-ranking police corruption working to defeat her, how can she alone bring The Syndicate down?
736 pages, Hardcover
First published August 14, 2015
About the author
John D. Moulton
8 books17 followersWRITER, ARTIST & ILLUSTRATOR:
John D. Moulton is the British author of the suspense novel, 'White Ashes' and now multi-time winner of the coveted 'Mom's Choice Award' Honoring Excellence'. for his work as a children's story book illustrator.
His work-a-day life involved marketing and sales but his passion was always his art and his writing. In 'retirement' a key part of John's new-found career has become artist and illustrator/designer of children's books. First up were his illustrations in 'Bee, Honey Bunny and Me' by Lavelle Carlson. The work is reminiscent of Beatrix Potter in reflecting a love of animals and nature in a semi-realistic way.
Born and raised in England, John has been writing and creating art for over sixty years. Self-schooled in pencil, watercolor and oils, John's creative spirit has always played an important part in his life. Once retired, John wasted no time in developing his portfolio of fine art portraiture, and completing his romance/suspense novel, 'White Ashes' which now enjoys over 60 Amazon 5-Star reviews (USA+UK).
As of May 2023, four children's picture books illustrated by John have won the 'Mom's Choice Award Honoring Excellence': 'Bee, Honey Bunny and Me', and 'Do Not Snuggle with a Puggle' by Lavelle Carlson and 'Daydream Believer' plus 'Terrance The Toad' by LK Menzies.
LINKS:
Romance Suspense Novel: White Ashes
Illustrative art: JDM-ART
Portrait Art: The Art of John D Moulton
John D. Moulton is the British author of the suspense novel, 'White Ashes' and now multi-time winner of the coveted 'Mom's Choice Award' Honoring Excellence'. for his work as a children's story book illustrator.
His work-a-day life involved marketing and sales but his passion was always his art and his writing. In 'retirement' a key part of John's new-found career has become artist and illustrator/designer of children's books. First up were his illustrations in 'Bee, Honey Bunny and Me' by Lavelle Carlson. The work is reminiscent of Beatrix Potter in reflecting a love of animals and nature in a semi-realistic way.
Born and raised in England, John has been writing and creating art for over sixty years. Self-schooled in pencil, watercolor and oils, John's creative spirit has always played an important part in his life. Once retired, John wasted no time in developing his portfolio of fine art portraiture, and completing his romance/suspense novel, 'White Ashes' which now enjoys over 60 Amazon 5-Star reviews (USA+UK).
As of May 2023, four children's picture books illustrated by John have won the 'Mom's Choice Award Honoring Excellence': 'Bee, Honey Bunny and Me', and 'Do Not Snuggle with a Puggle' by Lavelle Carlson and 'Daydream Believer' plus 'Terrance The Toad' by LK Menzies.
LINKS:
Romance Suspense Novel: White Ashes
Illustrative art: JDM-ART
Portrait Art: The Art of John D Moulton
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 15, 2017
I recently finished White Ashes! It was a GREAT read! It will keep you guessing but once you finish, it does leave you wanting another book by this great author! I love that it is a big book--I love to read and often finish a book so quick that I want more. I was able to really "savor" the story with
a large book.
The character descriptions are exceptional. You are introduced to Rachel and Jay and the situation
they are in along with their families and friends. The author does a wonderful job of detailing how they look, think and act - you will feel as if you are there.
It is a story of love, family, commitments, responsibility, trust, danger, action, lies, murder, friendships, the strengths and weaknesses of people. I highly encourage you to read this book! John is a resident of my town and when I was originally given the book in exchange for a review, I was excited, but nervous I wouldn't like it.....but no worries here! I can't wait to see his next book!
a large book.
The character descriptions are exceptional. You are introduced to Rachel and Jay and the situation
they are in along with their families and friends. The author does a wonderful job of detailing how they look, think and act - you will feel as if you are there.
It is a story of love, family, commitments, responsibility, trust, danger, action, lies, murder, friendships, the strengths and weaknesses of people. I highly encourage you to read this book! John is a resident of my town and when I was originally given the book in exchange for a review, I was excited, but nervous I wouldn't like it.....but no worries here! I can't wait to see his next book!
January 28, 2017
I "met" the author Mr Moulton on Goodreads in the course of a discussion and he offered me a free copy of his debut novel, White Ashes. I honestly didn't know what to expect and was dreading having to write a so-so review but it really is an exceptionally assured debut.
In 1967 teenagers Rachael Farrington and Jason "Jay" Beauvale meet and fall in love. By 1969 their relationship, despite Rachael's mother's objections, is going well but all that is to change when Jay inadvertently brings his past into the present and leads them all into danger.
The novel opens with Rachael fleeing to London without telling her parents. She is obviously upset but there is no explanation of why - it's intriguing and caught my interest immediately. It then uses flashbacks and flashbacks within them to explore their relationship and the reasons behind the danger they face but there is no explanation of why Rachael is so upset on the train to London until well after half way through the novel. As I said it is intriguing and compulsive.
Mr Moulton has a very engaging style of writing - the mystery surrounding Rachael's trip draws you in but the story of her relationship with Jay holds you there. His obvious love for his character Rachael shines through and brings a warmth to the novel which offsets some of violent and nasty behaviour of the bad guys. I also think he has a good ear for dialogue as it all seems very natural and realistic.
White Ashes is a long novel so it's very good value for money but none of it drags and I was glued to the pages from start to finish. It has a bit of everything from mystery to intrigue, action, love and sorrow. If anything, I think the ending was a bit quick in its resolution in comparison to the sprawling, all encompassing nature of the rest of it but it had to end somewhere, I suppose. What is clear is that the past casts a long shadow.
I'm not sure where to start with the characterisation. I particularly liked Mr Moulton's depiction of Rachael's mum Helen. Her distrust of "rich folk" and her desperation to protect Rachael from being dumped by rich boy Jay have a real ring of authenticity about them. The other "good" characters are all very likeable, which is again authentic but it doesn't make them as interesting. The baddies are baddies - greedy, violent and callous.
I think White Ashes is a compulsive read with good pacing in the reveals and in between the details of the teenage romance are interesting and fairly compulsive in their own way (I never thought I would make that statement!). I have no hesitation, therefore, in recommending it as a good read.
In 1967 teenagers Rachael Farrington and Jason "Jay" Beauvale meet and fall in love. By 1969 their relationship, despite Rachael's mother's objections, is going well but all that is to change when Jay inadvertently brings his past into the present and leads them all into danger.
The novel opens with Rachael fleeing to London without telling her parents. She is obviously upset but there is no explanation of why - it's intriguing and caught my interest immediately. It then uses flashbacks and flashbacks within them to explore their relationship and the reasons behind the danger they face but there is no explanation of why Rachael is so upset on the train to London until well after half way through the novel. As I said it is intriguing and compulsive.
Mr Moulton has a very engaging style of writing - the mystery surrounding Rachael's trip draws you in but the story of her relationship with Jay holds you there. His obvious love for his character Rachael shines through and brings a warmth to the novel which offsets some of violent and nasty behaviour of the bad guys. I also think he has a good ear for dialogue as it all seems very natural and realistic.
White Ashes is a long novel so it's very good value for money but none of it drags and I was glued to the pages from start to finish. It has a bit of everything from mystery to intrigue, action, love and sorrow. If anything, I think the ending was a bit quick in its resolution in comparison to the sprawling, all encompassing nature of the rest of it but it had to end somewhere, I suppose. What is clear is that the past casts a long shadow.
I'm not sure where to start with the characterisation. I particularly liked Mr Moulton's depiction of Rachael's mum Helen. Her distrust of "rich folk" and her desperation to protect Rachael from being dumped by rich boy Jay have a real ring of authenticity about them. The other "good" characters are all very likeable, which is again authentic but it doesn't make them as interesting. The baddies are baddies - greedy, violent and callous.
I think White Ashes is a compulsive read with good pacing in the reveals and in between the details of the teenage romance are interesting and fairly compulsive in their own way (I never thought I would make that statement!). I have no hesitation, therefore, in recommending it as a good read.
June 6, 2017
Let me start with acknowledging I was provided a copy of this novel free of charge in exchange for my honest review. This author was not previously known to me, but is definitely one I will be following. I am excited to see what story he dreams up next.
When I picked up White Ashes to read (at its whopping 700+ page count), I was concerned the level of detail might be excessive....wrong. This novel captivated me from page one. The reader is started at the present moment with the back story provided in a concise way as they progress. This is a story that crosses genres and would make an awesome television mini series the whole family would enjoy. John Moulton's writing style is descriptive but not weighty. You will enjoy the picture he paints in each and every scene.
You will experience action, romance, mystery, corruption, family drama and loyalties. This author has a talent in keeping the reader interested in the storyline from start to finish. He provides the perfect level of insight and interesting history of each character that will draw you in - empathy, sympathy, love, hate, fear - the reader connects with every emotion and will enjoy the major and minor characters equally alike. You will FEEL this story! It is one you will want to add to your collection and read again at a future date.
White Ashes is not a novel you want to miss, and John Moulton is definitely a talent to follow.
When I picked up White Ashes to read (at its whopping 700+ page count), I was concerned the level of detail might be excessive....wrong. This novel captivated me from page one. The reader is started at the present moment with the back story provided in a concise way as they progress. This is a story that crosses genres and would make an awesome television mini series the whole family would enjoy. John Moulton's writing style is descriptive but not weighty. You will enjoy the picture he paints in each and every scene.
You will experience action, romance, mystery, corruption, family drama and loyalties. This author has a talent in keeping the reader interested in the storyline from start to finish. He provides the perfect level of insight and interesting history of each character that will draw you in - empathy, sympathy, love, hate, fear - the reader connects with every emotion and will enjoy the major and minor characters equally alike. You will FEEL this story! It is one you will want to add to your collection and read again at a future date.
White Ashes is not a novel you want to miss, and John Moulton is definitely a talent to follow.
September 11, 2016
When I was approached to do a review for White Ashes, I had no idea that the book was 726 pages long. My first thought was "How can someone have that much to write ?" I was also worried that it wouldn't keep my attention. BOY WAS I WRONG !!!! I was completely drawn into the book immediately !!
This is a story about family, love, commitment, secrets, danger, trust, jealousy, friendship, lies, murder, strength and weakness. White Ashes is about 2 mothers who will do anything to protect their children. It is about 2 young lovers who will do anything for each other. It is about a force greater than them all.
As you read White Ashes you will understand why Rebecca has been hiding something from Jason for years. You will feel the love between Jason and Rachael. You may even agree with Helen while she struggles with past demons as she does everything in her power to keep the lovebirds apart. And the sympathy you feel for David will feel so real.
To say White Ashes is a love story does NOT do it justice....to say its a murder/mystery story isn't even close.....to say it is a drama or a suspense don't cut it either. This book is all of the above and so much more.
I would LOVE to say more about White Ashes but to say more would ruin the story for you and I highly recommend you read it. I will tell you this.... You will get lost in it immediately, you may find yourself holding your breath at times as you read, and you will HATE when you reach page 726. When I turned from page 725 to the last page I was completely spent .... and I was left wanting more !!!
So I encourage you to get your copy of White Ashes as soon as you can and remember to .... BREATH.....
This is a story about family, love, commitment, secrets, danger, trust, jealousy, friendship, lies, murder, strength and weakness. White Ashes is about 2 mothers who will do anything to protect their children. It is about 2 young lovers who will do anything for each other. It is about a force greater than them all.
As you read White Ashes you will understand why Rebecca has been hiding something from Jason for years. You will feel the love between Jason and Rachael. You may even agree with Helen while she struggles with past demons as she does everything in her power to keep the lovebirds apart. And the sympathy you feel for David will feel so real.
To say White Ashes is a love story does NOT do it justice....to say its a murder/mystery story isn't even close.....to say it is a drama or a suspense don't cut it either. This book is all of the above and so much more.
I would LOVE to say more about White Ashes but to say more would ruin the story for you and I highly recommend you read it. I will tell you this.... You will get lost in it immediately, you may find yourself holding your breath at times as you read, and you will HATE when you reach page 726. When I turned from page 725 to the last page I was completely spent .... and I was left wanting more !!!
So I encourage you to get your copy of White Ashes as soon as you can and remember to .... BREATH.....
June 2, 2017
I was completely captivated with White Ashes from the very start. With the turn of every page, one follows a community of characters who surround Jay and Rachel, a young couple yearning to be together, and the forces determined to drive them apart. Romance, jealousy, suspicion, crime, death and deception all combine to create a perfect storm surrounding the young relationship. Can this young love endure or will the flood of adversarial forces prevail? Oh, the suspense that captures the reader in this TOTALLY BIG SCREEN WORTHY story! Well done, Mr. Moulton!
December 20, 2015
This story has many elements to it and the author says it best in the author notes at the end of the book, ". . . speak of the close relationship between good and evil, love and lust, responsibility and control, perception and reality." I thought it was interesting to read the author's admission that when he began writing this book and knew he didn't know how to write, nor was he much of a reader. But after he began writing, he couldn't stop. Beautiful writing too. "The rhythmic rattle and sway of the train held them both like flotsam in a rock pool at the water's edge." "Now she was left in a vacuum, wandering aimlessly within the barren chasm that was her soul." The author's timing and flow of the story was perfect and I liked the way he placed all the parts of the story together like one of those sliding tile puzzles that only certain people are patient enough to complete. And it paid off for John Moulton because with each mini puzzle that I was able to read and say "aha!" I was waiting eagerly for the next, and then the next, and in the end I was satisfied.
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February 4, 2017The book White Ashes by John Moulton, which came autographed by the author was a book that was wonderful to read. The two young lovers overcome all the problems that parents put in front of them to not get serious at such a young age. Jason Beauvale has no idea who his father was, except his brother was killed at a young age and his mother will not speak of the past. After his mother is killed Jason finds out the truth about his father who was a drug lord in England. Jason does manage to marry his beloved Rachel Farrington. Their love is cut short by the death of Jason. Rachel carries on and is able to defeat the criminals that murdered Jason and his mother. The book is a long read but very fast paced. I highly recommend this book. Lucy Tomko
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2018
Read it!
I rarely find a book that I don't want to put down but don't want to end all at the same time. This book is it! The characters are so real and the whirlwind that was Rachael's life was gripping. I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I loved everything about this book. It was so detailed I felt like I was living it with Rachael. It was suspenseful and thrilling and romantic and sad. I do hope this amazing author has more books in the works because I can't wait to read more! You will not be disappointed if you dive into this good read (unless you have to sleep and work and stuff and have to put it down).
I rarely find a book that I don't want to put down but don't want to end all at the same time. This book is it! The characters are so real and the whirlwind that was Rachael's life was gripping. I laughed. I cried. I gasped. I loved everything about this book. It was so detailed I felt like I was living it with Rachael. It was suspenseful and thrilling and romantic and sad. I do hope this amazing author has more books in the works because I can't wait to read more! You will not be disappointed if you dive into this good read (unless you have to sleep and work and stuff and have to put it down).
June 27, 2018
White Ashes was a thoroughly enjoyable book. From the first paragraph to the last, Moulton wove a poignant story of first love and the dark secret that plagued the young couple. Masterfully crafted, the end was as captivating as the beginning, as he methodically tied up every loose end. Filled with romance and mystery and more than a little adventure, the is a story that will keep you guessing. I am looking forward to the sequel or prequel.
October 16, 2021
Best characterizations – Mr. Moulton was able to create emotionally riveting characters that become a part of the reader. This is one book that I had a difficult time leaving several days after I completed it. I was emotionally distraught for Rachel, the main character. She started out as such and innocent young girl. The author took the reader through her growth. Would she be able to grow within all the turmoil that beset her from many people? Would she be able to escape the horrors that had beset those she loved dearly? In addition to building great characters, he was able to create several side-by-side stories that were eventually coalesced into one suspenseful story at the end. What relationships would survive within each story? Would they all be resolved for the “good” characters? Would the “bad, unscrupulous” characters survive to wreak more havoc on those around them? I hope to see more of his writings in the future.
October 20, 2019
This seems to be the one and only book this author wrote which is a shame. He has a knack at intrigue and weaving a story such as he has here. Rachael and Jason whom takes us into their story that is steeped in opposition but tests the depth of love I think. So many opposing forces but they must continue you urge them. Many emotions will be touched on in this with it not letting you put it down too often. I makes me wonder why though no more after this one.
February 16, 2020
Entertaining first book by Mr. Moulton. It has some fun twists and turns that keep you guessing. There are a lot of characters to keep track of and the book is really long. So for me it took almost 2.5 weeks to finish and keeping track of some of the secondary characters was somewhat challenging. I won this book through goodreads, which was a first.
October 13, 2019
A first book by this author, and a giveaway I won.
I am thankful for winning this as I like the writing style. However it is more of a Young Adult book, and I am a very Old Adult. Plus it is very long, and I was tempted more than twice to just set it down and quit reading. I would be interested to see what else is up Mr. Moulton's writing sleeve in the future.
I am thankful for winning this as I like the writing style. However it is more of a Young Adult book, and I am a very Old Adult. Plus it is very long, and I was tempted more than twice to just set it down and quit reading. I would be interested to see what else is up Mr. Moulton's writing sleeve in the future.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews