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Anna's Nightmare #1

When They Come Calling

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Physician Anna Roberts runs a free health clinic in Kansas City where she spends her days taking care of the living and avoiding the spirits of the dead. A late night accident leaves Anna at the mercy of the strange man who saved her life, but Anna soon learns that meeting Jed was no coincidence.

As Anna is drawn into Jed's dangerous world and a feud three thousand years in the making, she must come to terms with her own secrets and decide what she will do, when they come calling.

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2016

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About the author

Sarah Fleming Mountford

4 books50 followers
Sarah Fleming Mountford lives in the Midwest with her family, two rescue dogs and three inherited cats. When she isn’t traveling, Sarah is a runner, the family chef and a reluctant soccer mom.

Sarah has a bachelor’s degree from Whitman College.

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5 stars
99 (29%)
4 stars
112 (33%)
3 stars
81 (24%)
2 stars
28 (8%)
1 star
11 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Chelsea Humphrey.
1,487 reviews83.2k followers
June 3, 2016
All reviews found at: https://thesuspenseisthrillingme.word...

Date Read: 06/02/16
Pub Date: 04/05/16

4.5 STARS

Physician Anna Roberts runs a free health clinic in Kansas City where she spends her days taking care of the living and avoiding the spirits of the dead. A late night accident leaves Anna at the mercy of the strange man who saved her life, but Anna soon learns that meeting Jed was no coincidence.

As Anna is drawn into Jed’s dangerous world and a feud three thousand years in the making, she must come to terms with her own secrets and decide what she will do, when they come calling.


When I first spied this book on NetGalley, I was initially drawn to the cover. It was so beautifully creepy! I had seen this one pop up on my Goodreads feed from a couple of friends who had read it, and thought I’d give it a try. At 225 pages, I figured it wasn’t too deep an investment if I ended up not connecting with it.

” I hugged her as much as anyone can hug a strong breeze. She slipped through my fingers and I breathed in the scent of sunshine when she passed around me.”

If you read the plot summary then you know this book has a good bit to do with ghosts. When picking this one up to read, I noticed the jacket blurb was rather short and vague; after reading I realize that is exactly as it should be. The entire story is spoiler central, so I will try to stay away from giving anything away as it seems there was a new twist or bomb dropped within every chapter. There is SO much more to this story than just ghosts. It truly defies genre limitations- if I had to I’d classify it as alternate history meets light romance (think romantic suspense vs. typical romance or erotica) meets thriller. I found myself googling constantly during my reading of this one as I kept questioning what was fiction and what was deemed factual history; the author did a fantastic job of seamless weaving the two together and making this story that is so outrageous it just might be true in another world.

” The lake was picturesque. The pastures, framed by hills and woods, were covered
in a layer of perfect snow.”


One of my favorite aspects of this book were the beautiful descriptions of the scenery; I truly felt a part of the setting and could envision every single chapter as if I was in the story myself. The descriptions of places, characters, even of the ghosts and weather were fantastic! I also surprisingly enjoyed the bit of romance between Anna and Jed; I’m not a huge romance reader but this was just enough to keep me interested in their relationship without making me want to gag. I thought all of the characters were diverse and extremely well-developed. The ending clearly was left open a bit for the next in the series, but the author gave plenty of closure and didn’t leave a giant cliffhanger which I greatly appreciated! I did a little research and found out that the author had a sort of kickstarter fundraiser to gather the money to publish this book; so cool! I’m always interested in a book that has readers backing the author before its even published. She said that book #2 is in the works and I’m anxiously awaiting it!

” Water douses flames every time.”

*I received my copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. This did not influence my opinions and all thoughts are mine.


Profile Image for Krystin | TheF*ckingTwist.
621 reviews1,894 followers
August 28, 2022
Book Blog | Bookstagram

Anna is a doctor. Her life is saved by Jed in what could have been a deadly accident. She thinks Jed's homeless so she lets him sleep over (like you would.) Turns out ghosts are trying to kill Anna because she's super powerful and Jed isn't homeless at all. Then things get super exciting! Oh, I'm sorry, did I say exciting? I meant super slow and boring.

I will give it this - the setting is next level, wintery and isolated. It's just that everything else is very linear and one-dimensional. Conversations are repetitive and characters go out of their way to delay revelations just to keep the plot mysterious. There is no real sense of danger - one minute people are being attacked by evil ghosts and the next they are making a nice stew for dinner.

And in between all the other-worldly, apocalyptic doom, Anna obsesses over her feelings for Jed, a 2000-year-old ghostie possessing a body. Because I guess why not?



So, I don't know, this is kind of a mess.

⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded down

book source: The publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for ✨Susan✨.
1,153 reviews233 followers
February 24, 2017
A modern ghost story that had an interesting mix of suspense, mystery, fantasy, supernatural, and a bit of romance. Anna is a doctor who runs a free clinic and for most of her life she has been able to see ghosts. While on her way home one evening a homeless, mountain of a man, saves her life. She feels indebted to him and is not sure what to do with him, but after feeding and housing him for one night, she finds out that he has been sent to protect her from some pretty malevolent ghosts. With relatable characters and some good twists and turns, the story kept up a good pace that was very original. Elizabeth Saydah did an excellent job narrating that helped to bring the characters to life.
Profile Image for Debra .
3,341 reviews36.6k followers
October 13, 2017
4.5 stars

Have you ever picked a book by it's name? That is kinda what I did. Then I saw that a reviewer I follow had read this book and loved it, so I just had to read it as well! I am so glad that I did. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. Seriously I just requested the next in the series on NetGalley. Keep your fingers crossed for me please.

When they come Calling did not disappoint. This is not like any other ghost story I have read. Mainly because it is about more than just ghosts. It's about a woman dealing with her gift/curse, about her relationships with others - friends, co-workers, ex-boyfriends, new possible love interest, etc. It is also about ghosts both good and bad. I know, I know this sounds sort of cheesy but it's not. This book was pure enjoyment.

Anna Roberts is doctor who works for a free clinic. She has had the ability to sense and interact with ghosts since childhood. She doesn't seek them out - they often come looking for her. One night she is almost hit by a truck and a handsome hulking man saves her (apparently average looking men aren't capable of saving heroines in books). Her savior's name is Jed and he talks a little funny. By funny I don't mean ha ha funny but from the past funny. Their meeting was not coincidence and Anna realizes that there is more to Jed and his story than meets the eye.

Jed has been sent to protect Anna from an ancient being with bad intentions. Jed and Anna go to her family's farm where the snow is falling and the ghosts are gathering. With help from her childhood friend and ex-boyfriend, Ned and his wife, Carrie, Anna prepares to face the ghosts that are seeking her out. This happens during a snowstorm and the Author did a good job of setting the mood and environment. The descriptions made it very easy to visualize the farm during the snowstorm.

Although I did not find this book to be scary in the least, I did find it to be a page turner. This book has just the right amount of suspense, romance, angst, mystery, supernatural and of course, ghosts. There was just enough of these elements to keep the story moving and the pages turning. The Author also threw in some twists, turns and revelations to keep things interesting. The characters were also likable and relatable. I was invested in what was happening to them and rooted for them the entire time. This was a fun fast read for me. A perfect book to read during Halloween time (any time really). Plus, it isn't really scary so it will appeal to a wider range of people. This book was like a guilty pleasure. I didn't want to put it down.

This book will most likely not win any awards but it was a fun engaging read and I loved every single page. 4.5 stars for the entertainment value.

See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Profile Image for Louise Wilson.
3,794 reviews1,699 followers
March 26, 2016
I did not know. If I was going to enjoy this novel but I'm so glad I gave it a chance as I really enjoyed it.
Anna Ford runs a free clinic in Kanas City. When returning home one evening she was saved from being run over by a stranger. Winded and badly bruised Jed escorts her home and soon Anna becomes involved in Jed's dangerous world.
A good mix of ghosts, romance and adventure to keep you turning the pages
I'd like to thank Net Galley, Atthis Arts LLC and the author Sarah Fleming Mountford for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for E.D.E. Bell.
Author 36 books211 followers
Read
March 22, 2016
[This book is not rated because it was published by my company. However, I'd like to share my thoughts!]

It's really an honor for me to be involved in the publication of this unique paranormal fantasy book by Sarah Fleming Mountford. It's fun and exciting, and if you like paranormal fiction, suspense, and a dose of romantic tension, you should enjoy.

What I liked the most was Mountford's wit throughout the story. It's quick, snarky, and often quite funny. Sarah isn't afraid to write with a bit of edge, either.

The story is a fun, easy read - it's intriguing, has interesting characters and good action, and I enjoyed the incorporation of Kansas City and midwest culture into the storyline.

I hope the series continues; I'd love to read the sequel. If you enjoy paranormal fiction, I hope you pick up a copy!
Profile Image for debbicat *made of stardust*.
858 reviews128 followers
February 23, 2017
Fun audio book to listen to. Anna is a great character. Very complex and intriguing. This is a fast paced thriller. Lot's of action and plot twists and turns. I think a few things were kinda far fetched. At least for me. I won't spoil it for you...after all it is fantasy. I was first inclined to give this 3.5 stars but after letting it sink in a day or two I am bumping to 4. The narrator was exceptionally good. She did a great job with all the voices and this was easy to follow and listen to. I love a good audio book for my late day walk. I don't know if I would have liked it as much as an ebook...but maybe!

Many thanks to Sarah Fleming Mountford and her publisher for providing me a copy to listen to in exchange for an honest review. I recommend for everyone who likes audio books with strong narrators and strong female character leads. Be prepared to be exported to a world dark and far away. Anna is a character you can connect with and you care about what happens to. I was easily and quickly drawn into her world. There is a battle raging - a storm brewing. Will Anna survive it and save her friends in the process? I noticed it is $2.99 on kindle. Great price for an entertaining read. Check it out for yourself.
Profile Image for Dilushani Jayalath.
1,050 reviews209 followers
November 20, 2019
Kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Actual Ratings = 3.95 stars


Well, as far as mystery and thriller is involved this book was well written but for the horror factor? Unfortunately the book didn’t actually creep me enough. Either I have met too many creepier things in my life or the book needs to up the creep factor if that is what they intended to give the readers.

The blurb was what actually pulled me into the book and the more I read I was honestly intrigued by the plot but there was something in the story that made me not completely like the characters. Anna was a bit hot headed and didn’t take advice well and Jed was too elusive in a way with information. He took while to give the necessary facts but expected people to listen to him. My favorite characters without any doubt were Carrie and Ty.

Despite that I really enjoyed the book and would love to see the end of the book and how our characters will fare against the great disaster to befall upon them.
Profile Image for thebooknookae.
123 reviews12 followers
August 12, 2017
This was a very different read for me and I wasn't about to read it but i'm really glad i picked it up! Something about the ebooks font got me hooked and i kept reading the story kept getting better and better! The books is interesting, full of sexy romance and fantasy. Felt connected to Anna in a way that you could almost understand her emotions and decisions. I love character driven book and this was book kept me hooked.

Totally recommend! 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Terry ~ Huntress of Erudition.
679 reviews107 followers
February 20, 2017
Fast moving story with an excellent narrator. Elizabeth Saydah's sexy, low, authoritative voice personifies Anna, the ER doctor who can see ghosts and has a certain power over them.
Hopefully, she will continue her ongoing fight of good vs evil, taking care of the living as well as banishing the dead (who don't want to leave us alone)
Profile Image for Leslie Fisher.
810 reviews18 followers
March 6, 2017
I thought this was an enjoyable book. It appealed to me because of the main character being a doctor, and the fact that it was a ghost story. I thought it was well-paced and kept me engaged throughout. I have to admit that there seemed to be something missing between Anna discovering she has powers and being able to use them immediately, but it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the story. I listened to the Audible audio version of the book narrated by Elizabeth Saydah, and I really enjoyed her narration. She has a really pleasant "alto" voice, which blends well for both male and female characters, and she does a good job of giving each character a unique voice.
Profile Image for Jan.
6,532 reviews99 followers
April 16, 2016
Publisher's blurb is a good hook, but this book is so much more than what is hinted at. The characters have real depths, there is action, snarkiness, twists, surprises, and all without gratuitous erotica. This is not another formula ghost story, but a real treat! No spoilers offered.
This book was provided by the author or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Goodreads Giveaways.
Profile Image for SerialReader.
253 reviews38 followers
May 5, 2016
You'll be captivated till the very last page.
Dark. Engaging. Very well written.
If you are a fan of the show "Ghost Whisperer" then I would definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Carolyn F..
3,491 reviews51 followers
could-not-finish
December 14, 2017
I couldn't get into this book at all. I tried! I was hoping for an early version of The Restorer but this was more of a time travel romance with ghosts thrown in. I just happen to be reading another about a woman who sees ghosts (what is up with that! [scary noise]) but that one is not catching my interest either. Maybe I'm done with this trope.
Profile Image for Jess.
190 reviews14 followers
July 11, 2017
4.5

I need to read the next book!

Reading the description of the book, I honestly wasn’t sure if there was going to be anything interesting about it, that it would be just another flat copy of a million other books that I’ve already read. But I was pleasantly surprised to find out how very wrong I was!

This book had a little bit of everything that I could ever want in a book.

There was the paranormal aspect, Anna has been able to see ghosts her whole life. What I thought was different was Anna’s feelings towards her gift. In most books the author takes a very strong stance that the character loves it or loathes it. Anna was somewhere in the middle. Just accepting it was part of her life but not going too crazy either way… well at least until Jed comes along.

Their meeting with the car kind of reminded me of Twilight… but that is where the commonalities end. Jed on the surface seems to be brave and put together but his character has such depth and so many layers. I’m dying to peel them all back and learn everything there is to know about him. The book was great at giving us the details we needed, a taste of his mystery but still leaving him just as perplexing and still worth exploring.

I love the suspenseful nature of Anna’s relationship with Jed. There is intrigue without the cheesy overpowering need for them to devour each other. They aren’t trying to be anything but at the same time there is something about them together that makes you wonder if there is more to them (on a soul level) than meets the eye. Also, can I just say that Jed is a gentleman with a shyness that it just so cute.

Not only are the characters super interesting, but the story is one that I just couldn’t stop listening… and when I had to stop, all I could do what wish I was listening to it.

*******AUDIOBOOK:
I listened to the audiobook version. I loved the reading. Her voice was different for each character, but not in an overly dramatic cheesy sort of way. It was very easy to listen to and wasn’t distracting. It was just perfect.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
2,453 reviews69 followers
April 5, 2016
Super(natural) start to the new Anna's Nightmare series

Dr. Anna Roberts runs a clinic for the homeless and the poor in Kansas City, Missouri. One night, as she's walking home from work, she is saved from being run over by a beer truck by a huge, dark stranger named Zedediah.

This isn't the strangest thing that's happened to Anna. She sees ghosts that haven't passed on to the next realm after death. And she releases (banishes) them to travel on.

Zed, as Anna calls him, seems to know way too much about Anna for someone she's just met and strange happenings start to escalate around him.

This is an unusual story and I liked that about it. It's not your run-of-the-mill ghost story. And Zed has many surprises waiting for Anna.

I liked the characters, drawn with a generous hand, so that I wouldn't mind calling most of them friend.

The story is funny, suspenseful, scary at times. There's just a tinge of romance. I am not usually a huge fan of series books but this first book in a new series caught my interest and held it all the way through. And it ended at a good spot, without having a nasty cliffhanger.

NOTE: I received this book from Atthis Arts through Net Galley in exchange for my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Ski Croghan.
609 reviews5 followers
August 23, 2017
A different kind of ghost story !!!

A whole new type of ghost story. Anna not only sees ghosts, she has the power to banish them,I.e. send them on to their final resting place, be that heaven or hell. But it takes a high toll on her body to do so. She has seen them for as long as she can remember and she doesn't remember just when she realized she could banish them. It has cost her a lol. Relationships, heaith at times and was really hard when she worked at a hospital, where
she was surrounded by hundreds of ghosts every moment but nothing prepared her for being personally being attacked by multiple ghosts at the same time. Jedidiah has been sent by a shadowy Counsel she has never heard of to "protect" her. Protect her from what? That's the question!! You have never read a storyline like this. It is unique and mystifying and totally fascinating. Scroll up now a grab your copy of the first book in the Anna's Nightmares series. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Alicia Gard.
517 reviews9 followers
June 20, 2016
I started this book with a somewhat skeptical mood - it would either be cheesy or not. And much to my surprise, overall it was fun and well done. Maybe a little cheesy in some spots but it was fun and I like this kind of story. It makes me miss True Blood and other books and shows with the supernatural theme. This is the first in a series, I think, and I'm looking forward to the next!
2 reviews
February 23, 2017
This book was difficult to put down as it sucks the reader into its story from the start with its mystery and characters. It was well written and smoothly entwined the main conflict with sub conflicts. The characters were as complex as necessary for the reader to feel a bond with them and the story.
Profile Image for Deedra.
3,933 reviews40 followers
April 20, 2017
I liked this book.Anna is a doctor who has a free clinic.She also has the ability to see ghosts.For some reason they always try to harm her.She is rescued by a big guy name of Jed.He is mysterious, elusive and possibly sent by someone.I was provided this book free by the author ,narrator or publisher.Elizabeth Saydah was a fine narrator.
243 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2017
I received the audiobook free in exchange for an honest review.

A doctor saved by a stranger who knows her. An ability to see ghosts. A battle between good and evil.

This is part one of a series and I was disappointed to see no other book is available yet, because I'd be interested in knowing what happens next.

Anna is a doctor with more than an ability to heal. She has an ability to release ghosts from their earthly ties, however, the ghosts have other ideas. They seem to want to take over the world. A stranger with a strange tale telling Anna she is essential to the battle to save humanity. A strange council.

This is an interesting story, well read by Elizabeth Saydah. There's a slow build up of the story, developing the relationship between Anna and Jeb, her self-appointed protector, as well as several other characters. There's an epic battle by the end and the lead up to another book.

I liked this story and am interested in reading the rest of the series ... hint, hint :)
Profile Image for April.
2,201 reviews58 followers
February 17, 2017
When They Come Calling: Anna's Nightmare, Book 1
: Sarah Fleming Mountford


This book is an interesting mix of suspense, mystery, fantasy, supernatural, and romance. Anna the female doctor runs a free clinic in Kansas City. She meets up with a mysterious stranger that becomes her protector. After that many twists and turns keep the listener glued to the story. With the ending I expect there will be another book. I want more.


The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. Elizabeth Saydah is quite entertaining.



"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,488 reviews144 followers
January 3, 2018
When they come calling by sarah fleming mountford.
Anna is nearly run down by a truck while walking home from her clinic. Jedediah saves her and helps her home. Who is he really?
Why is he there? What or who is after her?
Omg. Absolutely fantastic read. Couldn't put it down. Loved the story and the characters. Apart from the badies. Looking forward to the next one. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. Defenetly worth more than 5*.
Profile Image for Kristin Hall.
20 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2016
Recieved this book through Goodreads. This book was great. I cant wait to read more from the author.
Story line was great,
Profile Image for Kelsea.
319 reviews3 followers
November 8, 2017
When They Come Calling tells the story of Anna, a doctor who can see ghosts and send them where they belong but prefers to pretend they aren't there. Until Jed comes along and she doesn't have that choice anymore.

I thought this book was really intriguing. I LOVE a good ghost story - and this one has plenty of ghosts - but the ghosts aren't really the main focus. Its more about the characters. We really get to know Anna, Jed, Ned and Carrie and come to care about what happens to them.

I only have a few complaints about the book. One is that there were some parts that were a little more drawn out than needed - so many kitchen scenes and descriptions of food being cooked.

Another is that this book also had one of my biggest pet peeves in it. Where one of the characters knows a lot about whatever is going on but REFUSES to tell any of the other characters. I HATE THAT SO MUCH. If you're going through a big event and you know all the back story - TELL THE OTHER PEOPLE EVERYTHING YOU KNOW. It only increases your chance of making it through whatever you're going through.

Anyway, solid 3 star read. I'm already reading the second book to find out what happens!
Profile Image for Laura Agnella.
265 reviews11 followers
April 7, 2016
I love books where ghosts are featured so I was immediately attracted to both the cover and the teaser for this story. It was fun and original. I felt like it wasn't something that had already been done over and over. Anna was a strong female lead character who was learning about who she really was and what power she had over the dead. Jed is sent to protect her and guide her as she grows into this new role, which almost seems like a grim reaper of sorts.

The story is paced well, with a lot of action as the ghosts attempt to get what they want, which is Anna. There is also just a hint of a possible future romance between the two main characters. All of the characters were likable. It seems as though there will definitely be a second book to continue the story and I certainly hope that many of the characters introduced in this book, will return for the next.
429 reviews8 followers
March 12, 2017
When They Come Calling was a great action-packed paranormal romance. Some of the character names were a little confusing, though. Jed, Ned and a mold named Fred? The narration was well done and the characters were all very interesting. I liked the good vs. evil storyline and I can't wait to see what happens next in Book 2. I would recommend this audiobook.

I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator. This review is my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews