A Passionate Spirit

by S.C. Skillman

It’s a dream come true for Zoe when she and her new husband, unconventional priest Theo, move to the Cotswolds. But fearsome dreams about a young girl running for her life disturb Zoe and she can’t shake off the idea that a child’s life is in danger... and so is hers.

When two unexpected guests arrive, Zoe can’t abandon her feelings of unease and a series of disturbing events unfold.

Completely unprepared for the terror she is about to face, Zoe will need more than the loyalty and strength of her friends to survive the frightening paranormal forces that are about to be unleashed against her...

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2015

About the author

Books: two mystery novels: Mystical Circles and A Passionate Spirit. One writers' guide Perilous Path. Three nonfiction books published by Amberley: Paranormal Warwickshire, Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire & A-Z of Warwick.


Lives: Warwick, UK.

Occupation: Writer / mother

Family: Son Jamie, daughter Abigail and husband David

Siblings: Older brother Chris and older sister Julia

Pets: One cat, Molly

Hobbies: reading, visiting historical properties; singing, visiting art galleries and museums, going to musicals, concerts and theatre

Degrees: B. A. (Hons) in English Literature from the University of Lancaster.

Home town: Orpington, Kent, in the London Borough of Bromley.

Three words that describe you best: fluid, persistent, unstoppable

Childhood idol: Paul McCartney

People who inspire you: Susan Howatch for her brilliant Starbridge series and St Benets trilogy, which I love; Neil Gaiman for his quirky, edgy, and penetrating imagination; Phil Rickman for his engrossing Merrily Watkins series: those books are packed full of everything that intrigues and fascinates me

Groups and organisations: I am a member of St Mark’s Church, Leamington Spa; the Society of Authors; and the Association of Christian Writers.

Most beautiful place I have ever been is a mystical mountain in the Himalayas called Neelkanth. I first saw it from Badrinath when it was entirely lit by the full moon.

Reviews

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book but can't say that I loved it. For me it was a nice read, a bit lukewarm in the middle but I do think it will appeal to some readers for sure. It's written well and I liked the plot but found the execution of it was a bit drawn out. I got a bit bored in places. Almost too much peripheral detail to hold the interest all the way through.

It’s a dream come true for Zoe when she and her new husband, unconventional priest Theo, move to the Cotswolds. But fearsome dreams about a young girl running for her life disturb Zoe and she can’t shake off the idea that a child’s life is in danger... and so is hers.

When two unexpected guests arrive, Zoe can’t abandon her feelings of unease and a series of disturbing events unfold.

Completely unprepared for the terror she is about to face, Zoe will need more than the loyalty and strength of her friends to survive the frightening paranormal forces that are about to be unleashed against her...

Zoe's life is changed forever after her two guests arrive and shake up her world and the world of her husband Theo. Nothing will ever be the same again. Zoe has bad vibes about the guests but has no reason to feel that way, not initially anyway. She certainly does as time goes on!

The book tackles the dark side of cults and cult-thinking as well as introducing some spiritual elements, not all that are in the light so to speak either. Who are these people and what is the hold they seem to have on the house? Why are weird paranormal events happening all around? Zoe and her husband and loyal friend Alice are tested, and it's not easy.

I enjoyed the book very much towards the end as the reveals began and things began to slot into place. I just felt it was padded out too much in the middle with irrelevant events that didn't hold my interest, it was a shame about that as it would have been a 4 star read for sure. The ending is really good and I liked the fact the pace really picked up and I could feel some thrills at last.

This is not a bad read at all, just has some moment that let it down in my opinion and my actual rating is 3.5 as I did like the book. If you like books with some paranormal twists and focus in it you may well enjoy A Passionate Spirit.

Many thanks to the publisher via NetGalley for a copy of this book to read and review.

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[Philip S Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Open your mind to the mysterious and the unexplained...
I recommend reading this book with your belief in ghosts, the psychic, the paranormal, and even the angelic and demonic firmly in place! I also suggest reading Mystical Circles by the same author first, as this is a sequel and follows the stories of a few of the first book's characters. It's a few years since I read Mystical Circles, so I found myself checking back to it a couple of times, for the map of the manor house, and to reacquaint myself with some of the characters.
The story starts quickly with the arrival of James and Natasha at the creative retreat house run by Zoe and her priest husband, Theo. When strange things start happening, we can be sure that we're in for a rollercoaster ride of a thrilling mystery, as Zoe tries to understand what's going on, to hold on to her sanity, and to fight for everything she holds dear.
I warmed most to the character of Theo (as a fellow priest myself), for his creativity, sensitivity and spirituality, and for his struggle against bouts of depression. The plot moves by unexpected twists and turns towards a genuinely exciting climax, as we hold our breath to discover the fate of our plucky heroine (who I assume is the "passionate spirit" of the title).
I hope there might be more books coming in this series, and from this author. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The scenario at first seems familiar but as unexplained events stack up an insidious menace develops. There are some attractive and some very unattractive characters that interact in a combination of naive and increasingly sinister ways and are well drawn out by events. The last sections are very fast-paced, almost breathless, with some nicely-worked twists. One to read with the lights on and door bolted in a cosy Cotswold cottage!

[Olusola Anyanwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading 'A Passionate Spirit' by S.C. Skillman. It is excellently written and you feel you are watching a movie unfold right before you. Definitely a book for the movie industry. It is engaging, absorbing and engrossing. The prologue arrests readers with a mysterious start that becomes clear in the 18th chapter. As the fascinating plot enfolds, readers are plunged in to turns of suspense,tension and intrigue. I experienced high tension when Alice was going to check James's room resulting from a power struggle, intrigue and religious conflict. Relatable characters give the feel of stark reality. There are subtle themes that control the plot and are explored such as trust in marriage, self doubt, deception, child abuse and the psychological effects actors can have from their acting 'alien' personalities. A glaring message is the warning that christians who do not know their authority in Christ will be messed up by the devil. I certainly was reminded of the 7 sons of Sceva from the bible when Natasha used her dark powers on people in the story. At the turning point in the story, evil plans and secrets are exposed and a form of normalcy returns to calm the fast heart beats of readers!! A highly recommended read worth its 5 stars.

[Emily Carter-Dunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a GoodReads giveaway and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to read this book. That being said, I wasn't bowled over by this novel.

The Author
A lovely lady who wrote me a wonderful note. Ironically, she was writing about where I live and her ties to the place - and I'm from Gloucestershire, where the novel is set! The author has clearly done her research and use places in the area in her book. I liked that I could identify these places and really imagine them in my mind.

The Physical Book
The cover is excellent and really reflects what the book is about. It is good quality and a lovely book to hold and read. The chapters all have a raven depicted next to them which was a bit different and added a charm to the book.

The Story
The story is my main issue with the book. I know it is a book about the paranormal and the occult, but the plot wasn't believable and a bit far-fetched. I didn't see how everything that happened in the book tied together and what the whole purpose of the actions of some of the characters were. It wasn't well explained at the end or throughout the book. I don't understand the bit about the vagrant and what that added to the story or the fact that Zoe was scared and suspicious of James (especially with what happens to Alice) yet she still went in a car with him to meet Natasha's sister - Zoe is very against James and Natasha so why would she do this? She knows he is trouble and she would be in trouble too.

I feel that the book was a bit slow in places. Although revelations were occurring throughout the story, I don't feel enough was revealed right until the end; and even then (as mentioned before) not everything was explained. The big 'why were they doing things' seemed not to match up with what they were doing. It was like using a sledgehammer to break a crisp in half.

I'm also not sure if the 'ghosts' seen and the purpose of these visions added to the story either. A lot of fuss was made at the beginning about these visions, then they disappeared in the middle of the book and then were reintroduced. It didn't flow well.

The Characters
I liked how I warmed to Zoe and Alice and grew very frustrated with everyone else. I think this was done very well.

However, I really question how some of the characters were acting. Their decisions and actions were totally not logical for the large part and this really irritated me. I also didn't like the whole 'oh, Theo magically snapped out of his depression' because Zoe told him something bad. I find that quite insensitive of those who have suffered depression (like myself). I think the author may have meant for this to be a part of Natasha's scheme, but it wasn't wholly worded as such.


Overall, I can see why some people would like this story and it is an easy read. However, it wasn't really my cup of tea.

[Abigail Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is a paranormal-spiritual patchwork, drawing inspiration from all directions that are bound to intrigue a large array of people. Ghostly encounters, spiritual healing, mental health, life in show business and sinister cults all play a part in the unusual tale.
As mentioned by others, the pace is a little slow around the middle of the novel, which would be positive if the atmosphere and tension were more prominent to amplify the sense of mounting unease. Based on the information on the antagonists from the beginning, many characters' reactions seem disproportionate. If some of the revelations from the last act had been introduced sooner their responses would have seemed more justified. But as the action and pace pick up at the end, the emotional stakes are also raised and the characters become far more multi-dimensional and empathetic.
The end of the novel is gripping and will leave you guessing and startled by many of the revelations. It wouldn't be a surprise if it prompted hours of additional research into topics you weren't aware of. This is definitely a book to read if you like unconventional stories of the paranormal merging with issues that are disturbingly close to reality.

[Elite Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sinister tale...

When I was asked to read 'A Passionate Spirit' I almost thought that this could be a romantic novel, which is certainly not within my radar! This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I was thrilled to find from the outset that this was going to develop into a sinister tale.

The main characters, Zoe and Theo are very cleverly interwoven with two unusual newcomers, James and Natasha. As the plot progresses, the reader is introduced to a ghostly child who is in danger and several dark paranormal events occur. Zoe's friend Alice plays an important part as the tale unravels and romps to a startling conclusion.

SC Skillman explores the concept of unusual cults and beliefs, which although she has obviously researched, just went slightly beyond the realms of being believable, hence awarding four stars. I will certainly look out for this author again.

By Galadriel

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

[Sheena · Rating 1 out of 5]

Recieved as a goodreads giveaway. I have thought long and hard about what to say and I really don't want to hurt anyones feelings but feel there is no point to reviewing if I am not honest. Obviously this is only my opinion but this book was very poorly written and in need of a good editor and the story itself was unfocused and the plot disjointed. Who am I though to say it won't do well I thought 'Fifty shades of grey' was badly written. Thank you to the author and goodreads for giving me the opportunity to read the book.

[Chantel DaCosta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this book. The description was intriguing and I loved the start. But the whole idea and paranormal activities where so disjointed and unclear that the entire middle and sub-plots were weak. The ending was great and I wished some of the character motivations were revealed sooner.

This is a NetGalley book and I so thankful for access to this book. It is short novel, read it one afternoon.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this book on my kindle for ages, but have only just got around to reading it. Only wished that I had read it sooner, as this was so much better than I had thought. A great thriller that kept me turning the pages. I rarely write a review for fear of spoiling for others, but do recommend. I hope to read more books by this author. I would like to thank Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book, although I am very late.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed the book. My one major issue was that the flow felt "off". The climax of the book felt too long and drawn out. I liked the story line, most of the characters and felt that it was a satisfying conclusion. There was a little loop left hanging that the author could possible use for a sequel.

*Thank you to the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review*

[Lisa fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this book was amazing, wow this book kept me up all night and ruined my beauty sleep I just couldn't put it down. It was an emotional roller coaster of a read well done for writing such an amazing story your definitely worthy of 5 stars.