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The Secret of the Journal #4
Realm of Darkness
Emma and Matthew are finally free to marry, but Matthew's secret continues to haunt them. Emma D'Eresby can look forward to a future with Matthew Lynes. She at last reveals to Matthew the nature of her relationship with Guy Hilliard--her supervisor at Cambridge--and the reason she has found it difficult to forgive him or to trust any other.
Their joy at marrying is short-lived as, to her disgust, Emma discovers that Guy is visiting the United States to attend the history conference at which she is the keynote speaker. Although everyone seems charmed by him, Emma doesn't trust Guy. Worse still, she discovers that Ellie is dating Guy, bringing him within the family fold.
Long-held grudges and wounds surface and it is clear that Guy poses a threat to everything Emma loves.
Their joy at marrying is short-lived as, to her disgust, Emma discovers that Guy is visiting the United States to attend the history conference at which she is the keynote speaker. Although everyone seems charmed by him, Emma doesn't trust Guy. Worse still, she discovers that Ellie is dating Guy, bringing him within the family fold.
Long-held grudges and wounds surface and it is clear that Guy poses a threat to everything Emma loves.
496 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2016
4 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
C.F. Dunn
9 books48 followers Studying history at university, Claire Dunn followed a vocational route founding a specialist school dedicated to the needs of children with Dyslexia, Autism and related language difficulties.
Returning to her academic roots to incorporate elements of history into her stories of romance, mystery and suspense, Claire began writing Mortal Fire - the first in the five-book The Secret Of The Journal series - winning Gold in the ForeWord Book Of The Year Awards, 2012. She now writes full-time in the South-West surrounded by restless seas, ancient landscapes and wild, wide skies.
She is currently working on a major new Wars of the Roses series: The Tarnished Crown.
Book One - Wheel of Fortune (pub. 2023 Resolute Books; revised edition pub. 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Two - Sun Ascendant (pub. 2024 Resolute Books, revised edition 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Three - Degrees of Affinity (pub. 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Four - Legacy of Steel (pub. Sapere Books 2026)
Returning to her academic roots to incorporate elements of history into her stories of romance, mystery and suspense, Claire began writing Mortal Fire - the first in the five-book The Secret Of The Journal series - winning Gold in the ForeWord Book Of The Year Awards, 2012. She now writes full-time in the South-West surrounded by restless seas, ancient landscapes and wild, wide skies.
She is currently working on a major new Wars of the Roses series: The Tarnished Crown.
Book One - Wheel of Fortune (pub. 2023 Resolute Books; revised edition pub. 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Two - Sun Ascendant (pub. 2024 Resolute Books, revised edition 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Three - Degrees of Affinity (pub. 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Four - Legacy of Steel (pub. Sapere Books 2026)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 16, 2018
This book wasn't necessarily bad... But it wasn't necessarily good, either. Mainly, I cannot recommend it to anyone who hasn't read the first three in the series... And if you have read the first three, you don't need me to tell you if you'll like this one, because you already know. And also, I wouldn't know, because I haven't read the first three, which really made it hard to enjoy this, that's for sure.
It had a promising start: a list of characters at the front, as well as a summary of what happened in the previous books. Figured I'd be caught up well enough with that, particularly considering how often I jump into the middle of a series without that, but I was wrong.
After that, we get a... "blast from the past", you might say, where we got a run-down of what happened between Emma and Guy. Not bad to have, if it's such a big deal.
Then it jumps right into a scene with Emma and Matthew, without immediately telling you it was Emma and Matthew... Not a great start.
So I read 150 pages of it, but I just wasn't enjoying it. Despite everything at the beginning, I feel that the important aspects of the story were not explained. For example, what was Emma on trial for? What, exactly, is Matthew / his family? How does it work? I have no idea about any of these things.
Additionally, Emma and Matthew's relationship just seemed creepy. It's not the age difference, necessarily - I've enjoyed plenty of stories where one partner is immortal and much older than the other. Theirs is just weird.
Finally, what the heck time period is this set in? The characters act and talk like it's a few hundred years ago... But there's things like planes, motorcycles, cell phones, the Internet, etc. It's just overall weird, and not for me.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
It had a promising start: a list of characters at the front, as well as a summary of what happened in the previous books. Figured I'd be caught up well enough with that, particularly considering how often I jump into the middle of a series without that, but I was wrong.
After that, we get a... "blast from the past", you might say, where we got a run-down of what happened between Emma and Guy. Not bad to have, if it's such a big deal.
Then it jumps right into a scene with Emma and Matthew, without immediately telling you it was Emma and Matthew... Not a great start.
So I read 150 pages of it, but I just wasn't enjoying it. Despite everything at the beginning, I feel that the important aspects of the story were not explained. For example, what was Emma on trial for? What, exactly, is Matthew / his family? How does it work? I have no idea about any of these things.
Additionally, Emma and Matthew's relationship just seemed creepy. It's not the age difference, necessarily - I've enjoyed plenty of stories where one partner is immortal and much older than the other. Theirs is just weird.
Finally, what the heck time period is this set in? The characters act and talk like it's a few hundred years ago... But there's things like planes, motorcycles, cell phones, the Internet, etc. It's just overall weird, and not for me.
Note: I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
October 13, 2017
Four books into the series, and we're well acquainted with the main characters and their backgrounds. However, in 'Realm of Darkness' and old enemy returns, and with him comes new questions. How much does he know about Matthew Lynes, and why is he so bent on revenge?
Dunn has a particular talent for starting a book at a nice, leisurely pace, with everything apparently going smoothly - then throwing in a twist or two and suddenly shifting the pace up a gear or two. In with the physical action she weaves some serious moral dilemmas - and a fair bit of romance!
Another absorbing read in this well crafted series.
Dunn has a particular talent for starting a book at a nice, leisurely pace, with everything apparently going smoothly - then throwing in a twist or two and suddenly shifting the pace up a gear or two. In with the physical action she weaves some serious moral dilemmas - and a fair bit of romance!
Another absorbing read in this well crafted series.
January 21, 2018
Fantastic! Built up slowly to an exciting, action-filled climax.
November 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the concluding book in the Secret of the Journal series.
April 18, 2016
Realm of Darkness, C F Dunn
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Sci-fi and Fantasy
I struggled with the first book in this series, it seemed like a story I’d love but couldn't get into it. I picked it up a few months later and tried again and – Loved it. I got the next two immediately and now have just read book four – one more to go.
I don’t know whether to be pleased the story is wrapped up then or sad to be losing these fabulous characters. Inevitably there are comparisons with the Harkness All Souls trilogy – there’s a few surface similarities but the stories are very very different – yet I love them both ;-)
Matthew and Emma are finally able to be together in the way they want, with a clean conscience. Ellen's passing though has left some scars on some of the family, and Maggie still heavily resents Emma.
I love the mix of characters, how protective the family are of Matthew and he of them. Circumstances have ensured they rely closely on each other, with very few people knowing the truth about them. It means in a way they are very insular and restricted in their lives, have to be careful of what they say, what they do and what they let people see about them, and new relationships are fraught with the potential for revealing everything to the wrong person. It means when one of them meets someone new all the family have to get involved, to decide how much can be told of the truth and what needs to remain hidden. Their surface family story works until people look closer and search below what they allow to be seen and find the hidden truths, or hints of hidden secrets anyway.
With the passing of time though it gets harder to keep the truth away, and of course photographs and mobile phones now mean Matthew has to be incredibly careful of them revealing what he is
Some of the past secrets finally break free, we learn some of the mysteries that Emma was researching, but there’s also someone else rooting things out. Someone unexpected from Emma's past suddenly turns up and throws the family into disarray, just as they were learning to settle, to adapt and reform with Emma included within the family grouping.
Its a huge shock and means Emma looking to see what exactly she will do to keep the truth hidden, makes her search her conscience about what is right and brings forward some incredible dangers and tragedy.
I love this series, and it shows its important not to dismiss a book you think you’d like. Maybe its just not the right time for you to be reading it and some space will bring you into the story you wanted. I’m so glad I gave this a second chance.
Stars:five, fabulous book to join the keepers file with the others for rereading when all parts are out.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, Sci-fi and Fantasy
I struggled with the first book in this series, it seemed like a story I’d love but couldn't get into it. I picked it up a few months later and tried again and – Loved it. I got the next two immediately and now have just read book four – one more to go.
I don’t know whether to be pleased the story is wrapped up then or sad to be losing these fabulous characters. Inevitably there are comparisons with the Harkness All Souls trilogy – there’s a few surface similarities but the stories are very very different – yet I love them both ;-)
Matthew and Emma are finally able to be together in the way they want, with a clean conscience. Ellen's passing though has left some scars on some of the family, and Maggie still heavily resents Emma.
I love the mix of characters, how protective the family are of Matthew and he of them. Circumstances have ensured they rely closely on each other, with very few people knowing the truth about them. It means in a way they are very insular and restricted in their lives, have to be careful of what they say, what they do and what they let people see about them, and new relationships are fraught with the potential for revealing everything to the wrong person. It means when one of them meets someone new all the family have to get involved, to decide how much can be told of the truth and what needs to remain hidden. Their surface family story works until people look closer and search below what they allow to be seen and find the hidden truths, or hints of hidden secrets anyway.
With the passing of time though it gets harder to keep the truth away, and of course photographs and mobile phones now mean Matthew has to be incredibly careful of them revealing what he is
Some of the past secrets finally break free, we learn some of the mysteries that Emma was researching, but there’s also someone else rooting things out. Someone unexpected from Emma's past suddenly turns up and throws the family into disarray, just as they were learning to settle, to adapt and reform with Emma included within the family grouping.
Its a huge shock and means Emma looking to see what exactly she will do to keep the truth hidden, makes her search her conscience about what is right and brings forward some incredible dangers and tragedy.
I love this series, and it shows its important not to dismiss a book you think you’d like. Maybe its just not the right time for you to be reading it and some space will bring you into the story you wanted. I’m so glad I gave this a second chance.
Stars:five, fabulous book to join the keepers file with the others for rereading when all parts are out.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
September 25, 2016
Christians - just a little warning - they do say little things like - they sleep together before they get married - things like that - that bothered me as a Christian. This is an interesting book with an unusual concept from the beginning. It can be a bit confusing as well - right from the beginning - it is about love and pain, learning to forgive and trusting again. .. I received this book to read for an honest review
August 15, 2016
The fourth book in C. F. Dunn’s The Secret of The Journal series continues the atmospheric creepiness the author has been developing. In Realm of Darkness, Emma and Matthew seem to have overcome the obstacles to a happily-forever-after ending to their romance. However, secrets from both their pasts rise up causing strife and mistrust. The story is back on track after a less than satisfying third book, and I am looking forward to finally having all the answers when book #5 is released September 2016.
Realm of Darkness is a novel sure to appeal to those who like a bit of spooky, creepy and supernatural in their reading. Mystery and history combine to create a book with its feet in two eras. Much has occurred over the course of the 4-book series, so you really must start at the beginning to get the whole picture. As couples go, Emma and Matthew have a lot going against them — family opposition, former lovers, and there is that age difference that seems insurmountable. You see, Matthew is 400+ years old with no sign of aging or slowing down. The whole immortality theme is continued in this book, but there are hints that the mystery surrounding that will be explained and resolved in the final book of the series. As Christian fiction, Realm of Darkness is a bit lacking. There are references to God and dialog referring to God’s power, but until the very end there is not much evidence in the lives of the characters. At the end, the author does explore the concept of forgiveness and its power to liberate from guilt. Please be aware that this book is also British fiction, so there is some language and adult situations not usually found in American offerings. But . . . I really like the main characters and the supporting cast developed by Dunn. I like the spooky atmosphere she creates through setting. And I like the interconnection of past actions with present day happenings.
All in all, I liked Realm of Darkness and am glad there’s not much of a wait for the final novel, Fearful Symmetry.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Realm of Darkness is a novel sure to appeal to those who like a bit of spooky, creepy and supernatural in their reading. Mystery and history combine to create a book with its feet in two eras. Much has occurred over the course of the 4-book series, so you really must start at the beginning to get the whole picture. As couples go, Emma and Matthew have a lot going against them — family opposition, former lovers, and there is that age difference that seems insurmountable. You see, Matthew is 400+ years old with no sign of aging or slowing down. The whole immortality theme is continued in this book, but there are hints that the mystery surrounding that will be explained and resolved in the final book of the series. As Christian fiction, Realm of Darkness is a bit lacking. There are references to God and dialog referring to God’s power, but until the very end there is not much evidence in the lives of the characters. At the end, the author does explore the concept of forgiveness and its power to liberate from guilt. Please be aware that this book is also British fiction, so there is some language and adult situations not usually found in American offerings. But . . . I really like the main characters and the supporting cast developed by Dunn. I like the spooky atmosphere she creates through setting. And I like the interconnection of past actions with present day happenings.
All in all, I liked Realm of Darkness and am glad there’s not much of a wait for the final novel, Fearful Symmetry.
Recommended.
Audience: adults.
(Thanks to Kregel and Lion Hudson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
August 31, 2016
Flashback Cambridge. Emma is being taught by Dr. Guy Hilliard (Emma’s tutor).
What did she later find out about him?
Fast forward Dr. Emma D’Eresby (professor history) is at a University in Maine doing a yr. long research project.
Dr. Sam Wiesner (professor mathematics) & Dr. Kort Staahl (professor English), have taken quite a notice to the new professor.
Dr. Elena Smalova (Russian, professor history) has become Emma’s BFF.
Emma also has seemed to have fallen head/heels for Dr. Matthew Henry Lynes (surgeon, Bio-Medicine).
Who is Mr. Fluffy?
What was Dr. Staahl up to?
What did Dean Stephen Shotter discuss with Dr. D’Eresby in his office?
Will Emma’s past come back to haunt her?
Will Matthew & Emma stay together as husband/wife forever?
What secrets lie in an old journal?
Will anything happen to Guy?
Life on the college campus I had for many/many yrs.
The ending blew me away!
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a fascinating very well written fantastic & bizarre academia romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Lion Hudson/Kregel Publications; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
What did she later find out about him?
Fast forward Dr. Emma D’Eresby (professor history) is at a University in Maine doing a yr. long research project.
Dr. Sam Wiesner (professor mathematics) & Dr. Kort Staahl (professor English), have taken quite a notice to the new professor.
Dr. Elena Smalova (Russian, professor history) has become Emma’s BFF.
Emma also has seemed to have fallen head/heels for Dr. Matthew Henry Lynes (surgeon, Bio-Medicine).
Who is Mr. Fluffy?
What was Dr. Staahl up to?
What did Dean Stephen Shotter discuss with Dr. D’Eresby in his office?
Will Emma’s past come back to haunt her?
Will Matthew & Emma stay together as husband/wife forever?
What secrets lie in an old journal?
Will anything happen to Guy?
Life on the college campus I had for many/many yrs.
The ending blew me away!
Warning: This book is for adults only & contains extreme violent or graphic adult content or profanity &/or sexually explicit scenarios. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a fascinating very well written fantastic & bizarre academia romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great mystery romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Lion Hudson/Kregel Publications; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 16, 2016
There are not enough adjectives to describe The Secret of the Journal series. As I have stated in my previous reviews—of the first three installments—the story of Matthew and Emma is captivating, intriguing, intelligent, and evocative.
I don’t even know how I can give a synopsis of REALMS OF DARKNESS without giving something away, but I will try to give an overview of the whole series.
Emma D’Eresby’s love of history is a passion passed down to her from her grandfather. However, the study of one particular journal has consumed her and turned Emma’s life upside down. Having survived the abuses of others, Emma isn’t looking for a relationship, but Matthew Lynes—the focus of her research—is the most intriguing person Emma has ever met, and the chemistry between them is off the charts. As their relationship develops, there are those who would like nothing more than to tear them apart, both from inside Matthew’s family, and others from Emma’s past. However, Emma and Matthew recognize they have something special. Yes, they have numerous obstacles to overcome, but they know they’re meant to be together, so they pursue a relationship.
Fast-forward to where we join the story in REALMS OF DARKNESS. Emma has recovered from a near-fatal collapse, and is ready to take the next step—becoming Matthew’s wife. But someone from Emma’s past is determined to ruin her and find out what it is Matthew is hiding. Emma refuses to let this happen and goes to extreme lengths to keep Matthew’s secret safe.
That’s all I can say without giving too much away. The Secret of the Journal series is like nothing I’ve ever read before. Each time I read an installment, I am completely consumed by it, not wanting to put it down until I have read the very last page. I am so thankful I only have to wait until September to read the conclusion of Matthew and Emma’s story. The Secret of the Journal series (and I only have two others) is definitely on my re-read list.
Book provided for review purposes.
I don’t even know how I can give a synopsis of REALMS OF DARKNESS without giving something away, but I will try to give an overview of the whole series.
Emma D’Eresby’s love of history is a passion passed down to her from her grandfather. However, the study of one particular journal has consumed her and turned Emma’s life upside down. Having survived the abuses of others, Emma isn’t looking for a relationship, but Matthew Lynes—the focus of her research—is the most intriguing person Emma has ever met, and the chemistry between them is off the charts. As their relationship develops, there are those who would like nothing more than to tear them apart, both from inside Matthew’s family, and others from Emma’s past. However, Emma and Matthew recognize they have something special. Yes, they have numerous obstacles to overcome, but they know they’re meant to be together, so they pursue a relationship.
Fast-forward to where we join the story in REALMS OF DARKNESS. Emma has recovered from a near-fatal collapse, and is ready to take the next step—becoming Matthew’s wife. But someone from Emma’s past is determined to ruin her and find out what it is Matthew is hiding. Emma refuses to let this happen and goes to extreme lengths to keep Matthew’s secret safe.
That’s all I can say without giving too much away. The Secret of the Journal series is like nothing I’ve ever read before. Each time I read an installment, I am completely consumed by it, not wanting to put it down until I have read the very last page. I am so thankful I only have to wait until September to read the conclusion of Matthew and Emma’s story. The Secret of the Journal series (and I only have two others) is definitely on my re-read list.
Book provided for review purposes.
August 15, 2016
The fourth book in The Secret of the Journal brings things to the brink as Emma is forced to face her past as never before!
Emma and Matthew have professed their love in front of family and friends and are now married. They still have Matthew’s secret to haunt them, a fact that Emma still has to get used to. Trying to be fully honest in their relationship, she discloses the full extent of her relationship with Guy Hilliard. This explains to Matthew why she has found it difficult to fully trust him or anyone else. It comes at just the right time too; shortly after she tells Matthew of her past Guy shows up and interjects himself into their lives. He is on the way to steal her job and has started dating Ellie, Matthew’s great granddaughter. Emma has to decide what lengths she will go to protect those she loves and if she can live with what she will have to do.
As the fourth book in the series, I’m pleased with the direction this one went. By inserting the link from Emma’s past and playing on that aspect, it took the story in a much better direction. The tension was tight and the characters were in sync with each other as the story progressed. I think this is something that was missing in the last few books. Having Guy and the relationship he had with Emma start the book and then transitioning to how he was brought back into the picture really helped the story. He was a purely evil character and nothing about him said differently. With this being the fourth book in the series, I was afraid I wasn’t going to like the direction and give up, but that turned out to not be the case. I will be anxiously awaiting the fifth and final in the series to see what happens with Emma and Matthew and the rest of the Lynes family.
Emma and Matthew have professed their love in front of family and friends and are now married. They still have Matthew’s secret to haunt them, a fact that Emma still has to get used to. Trying to be fully honest in their relationship, she discloses the full extent of her relationship with Guy Hilliard. This explains to Matthew why she has found it difficult to fully trust him or anyone else. It comes at just the right time too; shortly after she tells Matthew of her past Guy shows up and interjects himself into their lives. He is on the way to steal her job and has started dating Ellie, Matthew’s great granddaughter. Emma has to decide what lengths she will go to protect those she loves and if she can live with what she will have to do.
As the fourth book in the series, I’m pleased with the direction this one went. By inserting the link from Emma’s past and playing on that aspect, it took the story in a much better direction. The tension was tight and the characters were in sync with each other as the story progressed. I think this is something that was missing in the last few books. Having Guy and the relationship he had with Emma start the book and then transitioning to how he was brought back into the picture really helped the story. He was a purely evil character and nothing about him said differently. With this being the fourth book in the series, I was afraid I wasn’t going to like the direction and give up, but that turned out to not be the case. I will be anxiously awaiting the fifth and final in the series to see what happens with Emma and Matthew and the rest of the Lynes family.
August 23, 2016
MY THOUGHTS
This is book four out of five. I would strongly suggest that you read the previous three books along with the fifth. The author gives the reader strong, solid characters. You want to get to know them and can relate to what they are struggling with. We have our two main characters, Matthew and Emma, wanting to be together but so much has kept them apart. Now, maybe they will get what they both want. The author doesn't just give you a couple of characters but has given the reader a variety of different types of characters. Mr. Dunn touches on family and the tight connection there can be. You get the sense of how sometimes family has to be protective in order to keep secrets hidden. Having to be so careful of things you do, things you say, people you associate with must have been hard for the entire family. You can't just tell it all and hope people will understand. Family has that decision, as to what is told and how much is told and to whom it is told. But all secrets eventually come to light. But what are they trying so hard to hide? Is there something about Matthew that is so awful that it can't come out? What happens when a total stranger appears and throws a monkey wrench in the mix? Will Emma and Matthew be able to pull through? Will the past finally be laid to rest? Think about it, is the past ever put to rest? Read and find out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Book Tours and the author, C.F.Dunn in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
This is book four out of five. I would strongly suggest that you read the previous three books along with the fifth. The author gives the reader strong, solid characters. You want to get to know them and can relate to what they are struggling with. We have our two main characters, Matthew and Emma, wanting to be together but so much has kept them apart. Now, maybe they will get what they both want. The author doesn't just give you a couple of characters but has given the reader a variety of different types of characters. Mr. Dunn touches on family and the tight connection there can be. You get the sense of how sometimes family has to be protective in order to keep secrets hidden. Having to be so careful of things you do, things you say, people you associate with must have been hard for the entire family. You can't just tell it all and hope people will understand. Family has that decision, as to what is told and how much is told and to whom it is told. But all secrets eventually come to light. But what are they trying so hard to hide? Is there something about Matthew that is so awful that it can't come out? What happens when a total stranger appears and throws a monkey wrench in the mix? Will Emma and Matthew be able to pull through? Will the past finally be laid to rest? Think about it, is the past ever put to rest? Read and find out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Book Tours and the author, C.F.Dunn in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.
December 24, 2016
This is the fourth book in this series. I have really been enjoying it, as it is very different from most things I read.
This one kind of gets off to a slow start but yet C.F. has a way with her words that keeps dragging me along and making me want to pick up the book again. Things did pick up and turn into a deeply moving story.
As I read I kept thinking of all Emma had to give up to be with Matthew. To know that the man you love will never grow old but you will. What would their relationship look like in thirty years?
The whole family line-up is a bit confusing but if you have read the other books you will be fine. The author does have a little synopsis in the beginning for readers who haven’t read the first three books. I highly recommend reading them first, it will give a better understanding of what is going on.
One thing to keep in mine is that the publisher is not Christian. There isn’t anything horrible in the book but it’s also a bit more risky than you would find in Christian fiction.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This one kind of gets off to a slow start but yet C.F. has a way with her words that keeps dragging me along and making me want to pick up the book again. Things did pick up and turn into a deeply moving story.
As I read I kept thinking of all Emma had to give up to be with Matthew. To know that the man you love will never grow old but you will. What would their relationship look like in thirty years?
The whole family line-up is a bit confusing but if you have read the other books you will be fine. The author does have a little synopsis in the beginning for readers who haven’t read the first three books. I highly recommend reading them first, it will give a better understanding of what is going on.
One thing to keep in mine is that the publisher is not Christian. There isn’t anything horrible in the book but it’s also a bit more risky than you would find in Christian fiction.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2016
This "The Secret of the Journal" series keeps getting better and better with each captivating volume. C.F. Dunn has spun an intricate, thrilling and satisfying yarn with this fourth volume in the series. "Realm of Darkness." It holds the reader in thrall as main character, Emma, comes to terms with her past, confidently takes her lauded place in the present and looks forward to her future with Matthew.
All is joyful and yet, there are sinister machinations at work which threaten and rock her family and world. Her past relentlessly haunts her. Can God forgive her when she struggles to forgive another and cannot forgive herself? Yet, when faced with the impending ruination of those whom she holds dear, she does not shy or flinch. Can and will she guard and protect the secret at any cost?
As much as I am eager to read "Fearful Symmetry," the fifth and final volume in the series, the thought of saying farewell to these strong and valiant characters brings a touch of sadness. I commend this series to all who yearn for a bit of history, mystery, romance and a touch of fantasy.
All is joyful and yet, there are sinister machinations at work which threaten and rock her family and world. Her past relentlessly haunts her. Can God forgive her when she struggles to forgive another and cannot forgive herself? Yet, when faced with the impending ruination of those whom she holds dear, she does not shy or flinch. Can and will she guard and protect the secret at any cost?
As much as I am eager to read "Fearful Symmetry," the fifth and final volume in the series, the thought of saying farewell to these strong and valiant characters brings a touch of sadness. I commend this series to all who yearn for a bit of history, mystery, romance and a touch of fantasy.
July 22, 2016
I have loved each book of The Secret of the Journal series since it first came out and I was super excited to read Realm of Darkness (book 4) by C. F. Dunn.
This series is truly addicting! It felt so good to be back in the world of Emma and Matthew even if it was fraught with intrigue, danger and secrets. While it took me a bit to get back into the story as the last book was released about 2 years ago, once I passed the first few pages, it all came back to me.
Realm of Darkness is aptly named ~ it's a bit more darker than the previous books but it still is an intriguing, exciting and an "edge of the seat" kind of read. I truly enjoyed this book ~ 5 Stars!
I'm also excited to announce that book 5 of The Secret of the Journal ~ Fearful Symmetry is to be release in September of 2016!
Thank you to Lion Fiction and Netgalley for the gift of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This series is truly addicting! It felt so good to be back in the world of Emma and Matthew even if it was fraught with intrigue, danger and secrets. While it took me a bit to get back into the story as the last book was released about 2 years ago, once I passed the first few pages, it all came back to me.
Realm of Darkness is aptly named ~ it's a bit more darker than the previous books but it still is an intriguing, exciting and an "edge of the seat" kind of read. I truly enjoyed this book ~ 5 Stars!
I'm also excited to announce that book 5 of The Secret of the Journal ~ Fearful Symmetry is to be release in September of 2016!
Thank you to Lion Fiction and Netgalley for the gift of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2016
"Realm of Darkness" by author C. F. Dunn is the fourth book in The Secret of the Journal Series.. This is a wonderful addition to this story series of books. Emma cannot do anything else but to try to forget her past. She wants a future with Matthew in Maine. This is not only a story of romance but it also has a mystery theme. The question is will they finally be together? Is there someone else who wants this relationship to end? They have had so many obstacles it seems as if they really deserve more. I read the other books in this series and I enjoyed each of them. I would recommend this book to others who like romance and mystery. I give this book a 4/5. I was given this book by Kregel Publications and all opinions are mine.
March 22, 2016
This book had me hooked from the very beginning. Since this was the first book in the series I have read, I loved the synopsis of the story line at the beginning of the book. It was these few pages that grabbed my attention and did not let it go.
I have already added the rest of the series to my reading list. I can't wait to read more.
I received an eBook version of this book through Netgalley.
I have already added the rest of the series to my reading list. I can't wait to read more.
I received an eBook version of this book through Netgalley.
February 9, 2017
I received a copy of this book to review, but I just couldn't get into the story. It follows the same characters throughout the series, so I was missing some history having not read the previous stories, which made it a little difficult for me to follow. I didn't really care for the main characters, who've apparently been in a relationship, despite Matthew's being married. I realize that there are unusual circumstances resulting in this happening, but this just wasn't the book for me.
September 24, 2016
This is an interesting book with an unusual concept from the beginning. It can be a bit confusing as well - right from the beginning - it is about love and pain, learning to forgive and trusting again. I received this book to read for an honest review
October 1, 2016
Waited SO long...and I'd be mad if I hadn't already downloaded the final installment! You have to hand it to Dunn, she is the master of cliff-hangers! I'll be sad to see this series end. These characters have really captured my imagination and taken me with them. Another great read.
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March 20, 2016Captivating and compelling - weaving modern day with history... leaving you desperate to get your hands on the next book in the series
July 9, 2018
Satisfyingly well written, the plot weaves a spell, drawing you in and keeping you entranced from start to finish. Ends on a cliff-hanger to ensure that readers remain waiting in eager anticipation of the final instalment in this beautifully written and imaginative narrative.
This book cannot be read as a stand-alone novel; the series should be read in order to be appreciated.
This book cannot be read as a stand-alone novel; the series should be read in order to be appreciated.
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