The Ultimate Seven Sisters Collection

Seven Sisters #1-6

by M.L. Bullock

The Ultimate Seven Sisters Collection!All Six Ghost Novels in One!When historian Carrie Jo Jardine accepted her dream job as the chief historian at Seven Sisters in Mobile, Alabama, she had no idea what she would encounter. The moldering old plantation housed more than a few boxes of antebellum artifacts and forgotten oil paintings. Secrets lived there--and they demanded to be set free.

When young, wealthy Ashland Stuart offered Carrie Jo the job, he had no idea that she had a secret of her own. Carrie Jo dreams about the past. An unexpected accident takes Carrie Jo back in time as a witness to life at the plantation over 150 years ago. An impassioned plea from Ashland puts Carrie Jo in a precarious position as the two work together to find a missing heiress, the young and beautiful Calpurnia Cottonwood.

A collection of journals and a series of dreams give Carrie Jo all the clues she needs to find the missing girl, but both a present-day danger and one from the past try to stop her. Will Carrie Jo solve the mystery of the house, or will she pay the ultimate price?

If you think you’ve missed one of my books, here is a comprehensive list of everything and they are IN ORDER. 😊 All books are available on Amazon Kindle and as paper books. Some are available as audiobooks.SEVEN SISTERS (featuring Carrie Jo)#1 Seven Sisters#2 Moonlight Falls on Seven Sisters#3 Shadows Stir at Seven Sisters#4 The Stars That Fell#5 The Stars We Walked Upon#6 The Sun Rises Over Seven Sisters#7 Beyond Seven SistersBonus Christmas at Seven SistersBonus The Ghost on the SwingThe Ultimate Seven Sisters Collection (Books 1-6)IDLEWOOD (featuring Carrie Jo)#1 The Ghosts of Idlewood#2 Dreams of Idlewood#3 The Whispering Saint#4 The Haunted ChildThe Hauntings of IdlewoodRETURN TO SEVEN SISTERS (featuring Carrie Jo)#1 The Roses of Mobile#2 All the Summer Roses#3 Blooms Torn Asunder#4 A Garden of Thorns#5 Wreath of RosesReturn to Seven Sisters CollectionTHE GRACEFIELD HAUNTINGS (featuring Carrie Jo)#1 Haunted Gracefield#2 The Three Graces#3 Grace Before DyingThe Gracefield Hauntings CollectionMARIETTA (featuring Carrie Jo)#1 The Bones of Marietta#2 Footsteps of AngelsLose yourself in this long running, ghostly mystery series by author M.L. Bullock.

Genres: Fantasy

873 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2016

Reviews

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a collection of stories about a VERY haunted plantation in Alabama. Carrie Jo is the pretty historian hired to help restore the mansion to its former glory, and she has a secret: she is a "dream catcher." This concept is a bit vague, but when sleeping, she experiences the lives of people who inhabit a place - currently or in the past. With this gift, Carrie Jo helps put the ghosts of Seven Sisters to rest. She also captures the heart of Ashton, the current owner.

The author has a great imagination and I enjoyed this, but the target audience is probably young adults; the writing was unpolished, and it had an over-the-top, almost Scooby Doo-ish feel to it at times.

[Ronald Keeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The front cover of Ultimate Seven Sisters Collection by M. L. Bullock is minorly deceptive with a front cover announcement that there are “All Six Books Inside.” Some readers might not be happy with the claim that what is inside constitutes “books.” The Amazon site lists this collection as six ghost novels in one, a collection of 607 pages. I usually choose one “long” novel as part of the mix of five or six current reads. Free on Kindle Unlimited, the price is an eyebrow-raising USD 9.99 even though I purchased the collection from Amazon at USD 0.99. There is a possible typo for you.

The six novels are in fact chapters of a lengthy, convoluted, panoramic, multi-generational ghost story set in Mobile, Alabama. This is a story of the “old South” complete with nuanced stories of racial injustice and rigid social hierarchy. This last part, reaching into the present day, can be described as an attitude of “If you weren’t born in this town, why are you talking to me?” Although each book is not a stand-alone story due to cliffhangers, the first three could have been published as one novel and satisfied readers with a conclusion. The following chapters/books go back and forth in time and expand the core story from the perspective of different characters.

The central theme of the novel is “dream catching.” Carrie Jo, the central character is a dreamcatcher. She is self-aware that she can “live” in different times and even be different characters while in her dream state. During childhood, she discovered her power while on a sleepover with a childhood friend when she discovered her childhood friend’s horrible home experiences. This gave Carrie Jo a type of mental acuity that occasionally manifested itself as mind reading; she did not have to be fully asleep. Readers first meet Carrie Jo as she assumes a contract to restore a mansion, one known as the Seven Sisters. This requires historical research, a job for which Carrie Jo is well qualified. This is an excellent set up for readers. Reading to discover historical fact, telling stories from a personal perspective attained through dreaming, and discovering all kinds of sleazy evidence to solve a mystery; this is a fun, immersive read.

What mystery (or mysteries)? The Seven Sisters is the mansion Carrie Joe will restore. Her investigations reveal that some members of the family, heirs to the Seven Sisters and an associated fortune, have disappeared. Whether kidnapping, running away or murder; the reason for the disappearances is not certain but all are accepted as possible reasons for the disappearance of Calpurnia Culpepper. She has gotten a raw deal in life. She watched her mother, Corrine, beaten frequently by drunken father Jeremiah, she witnessed the death of siblings, she was confined in her bedroom as if she were in prison by Jeremiah. Her cousin Isla was given free run of the mansion and was very close (!) to Jeremiah. Perhaps her father was just trying to protect Calpurnia from David Garrett, a rogue “Captain.” True, she felt herself in love with Garrett and would like to run away with him. Jeremiah perhaps didn’t really care about Calpurnia if she revealed the existence of a necklace that constituted the plantation fortune. Uncle Louis had withdrawn Corrine’s wealth and put all of it into jewelry and then hid the jewels. This maneuver was necessary to assure wealth would not be expropriated by a drunk, womanizing husband such as Jeremiah appeared to be. The jewelry, following the name of the mansion, would also be known as the Seven Sisters.

Carrie Jo has the power of a dream catcher, but she is not the only one. The reader will discover that the mansion, Seven Sisters, is a type of catalyst. Other characters in the story will manifest dream catching abilities as they are in or near the mansion. Characters in the present day are slipping into the lives of characters in the past. There are some very evil contentious characters in and from the past. They do not mind acting out their rivalries whether in the past or present.

After the first three chapters/books, by themselves a satisfying read, the pace picks up a lot. Books five and six depart from chapter titles such as “Chapter 1, Chapter 2 …” Subsequent chapters have a character name such as “Carrie Jo, Isla, Henri,” and, my favorite, “Deidre.” When chapter titles change to character names, the story is told in the first person and a reader not paying attention can get lost. The first character that confused me was Deidre. Her story made a lot of sense, but I had forgotten the time in which she lived until she left a house and got into her carriage. Carriage? OK, now I am caught up. The story Deidre was relating about her interactions with other characters made perfect sense but when she got into a carriage it was like someone jerked on a chain to get me back into the correct story track. Which is another way to say the author doesn’t tell the reader things, she allows the reader to discover things.

I will read more novels by Bullock. These stories remind me of the writing style of one of my favorite writers, Carol Ervin. The Boardinghouse by Ervin is equally rich in character development and complexity. But there are no active ghosts. Readers who appreciate the complexity of Seven Sisters will like several books by Ervin.

This is a five-star read in this genre. It is like reading the entire television series Dallas. There is no explicit sexual language or violence. Isla has some very strange relationships. Just when a reader thinks Isla can not shock more, she does, but everything is safe for work. Anyone trying to read this novel over the shoulder of another reader will be completely lost. Investing time to read this lengthy novel is worth it. The last two books/chapters are can’t-put-it-down page turners which I consider amazing given the complexity of the story.

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first introduction to M.L.Bullock was her Desert Queen Series. I thoroughly enjoyed her writing and once I finished that series I decided to give her Seven Sisters Series a try. I'm getting ready to read book 4. I love the main character and her quirks! I've never been to the south (would live to visit some day though) but I imagined it just as she described! I'm a huge history buff and love hearing ghost stories, so this book gave me both and more!!! Easy read and a great page turner!! I recommend reading!

[Sheryl Hagan-The Book Conservatory · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ultimate Seven Sisters CollectionM.L. Bullock
Yes, I am haunted by Seven Sisters.

My mind floats off to thoughts of Carrie Jo, Muncie, Calpurnia, and shall I even say Jeremiah? What can I honestly say about M.L. Bullock’s Seven Sister’s series? One must read them from book one, all the way to book six to truly grasp the amazing richness that is the life of Carrie Jo Jardine. I listened to all six on Audible and her journey captivated me.

Some would want to label this a paracozy, but it goes beyond that. CJ describes herself as a “dream catcher.” She can go to sleep in a location, fall asleep after reading something or after holding an object and be taken back in time to see; no live the history of the location or object. This can really be neat if you’re looking at it from the outside, but Carrie Jo’s experiences can be and do become downright scary and disturbing.

CJ has been hired by Mobile Alabama’s most eligible bachelor, Ashland Stuart, for the assignment of restoring the antebellum, Seven Sisters, back to it’s former glory. From paint details, to furniture placement, down to the amazing gardens, CJ is there to make sure everything is perfect to the finest detail. Unbeknownst to them, she is able to get things exactly as they were because she can see Seven Sister from the past and all who lived in and visited it. She learns of the abuse, love scorned and family secrets that some still are willing to kill for from beyond the grave.

I was lost in this series. I loved meeting the homeowners, those who worked there and learning about the darker side to this beautiful plantation home. Each of them seem as old friends each time I hear and speak their names from book to book. I was drawn to keep reading and couldn’t stop, mourning when the story would end and having to wait for the next in the series. I am drawn to the fictitious Seven Sisters as much as Carrie Jo is.

Are the friends and family of Carrie Jo safe? Is CJ safe from them and the ghosts that haunt Seven Sisters in her mind? Each book takes darker twists and turns to reveal a murderous plot and the scandals are too numerous to keep up with. You’ll want to read all the books to get a full picture of the depth of stories that Seven Sisters has hidden within.

I often feel like I rattle on when I talk about this series because I love it so much. I am invested in these characters and they are a part of me now. It has elements of mystery, history, the supernatural and a storyline that keeps me wanting more. As I said, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the books on Audible, but either format you get them in is sure to get you hooked. You’ll soon pine to return to Seven Sisters too.

[Jackie Mitchell]

Seven Sisters

What an exciting, intriguing tale this was! I had to read the entire collection. They keep you hooked to the end.

If you like suspense and ghostly tales, you will love this collection that travels back and forth between the ghostly characters and history of the past to the present day characters that are trying to free themselves of the ghosts from the past as they connect the family history with the appearance of family ghostly members. Are they going to survive until the end? Are the ghosts going to end their lives before the mysteries are solved?

[Susan Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute brilliant series, couldn’t put it down! Loved every minute of it, it was well written and loved the characters and how their history interacted with the present. Praise to the author!,

[dianna harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series

Great series that kept me on the edge if my chair and nice ending. I would recommend thus author to family and friends.

[Carol Herford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulously reading

From book one to the end I couldn't put it down. I was actually disappointed when I realised I had finished the series. Happy reading.!!

[Amy Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping Story

I bought this because it was on sale, I admit it. To be honest, it sounded good, but not great. Little did I know that I was about to get sucked in to another world!

This collection is comprised of 6 short novels, parts that are too long for a short story and too short for a stand alone novel. Between them, they read like a long novel where the author has made changes along the way without explanation. (I would have given it 5 stars were it not for those inconsistencies.)

The story, in which a historian stumbles into a supernatural mystery, complete with restless spirits who cannot rest until their story comes to light and mistakes are rectified, is intriguing, but it's the relationships of the modern era characters that really draw you in. Each chapter is told from a different perspective, so the story unfolds like puzzle slowly being put together.

While I am not sure that I would recommend each individual book, as a collection I could not put it down.

[Crystal Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my introduction to the world of ML Bullock. I am blown away. I leave this book with sadness and longing for more. I feel like I personally know Carrie Jo and Ashton and I can not wait to meet up with them again, as well as meet their child! Calpurnia's heartbreak and betrayal from Captain David Garrett broke my own heart. Isla was a certain kind of evil that scared me, her cold heart is unbelievable. I can see the Seven Sisters home in my mind right now and even Muncie's smile. I can still
feel Christine's pain from the abuse she endured by the hand of Jeremiah and by having her baby daughter taken away. This book held my interest from the first page, the first sentence! It sucked me in and I wanted to stay there in Mobile! I would love to be a historian like CJ! I am looking forward to reading ALL by Mrs. Bullock and continuing the journey she led me on in this beautiful collection!

[Mindy Holliday · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy Read

I am glad I read the edition that contained the entire series and not having to read each book individually. These books separately would be entirely confusing. The end of the books are like a TV series season finale and not the actual end of a book. The writing is something I’d expect to find at middle school level, but I am not sure I would allow a middle school child to read it. Overall, it was an easy, enjoyable read, but I’m glad I was able to rent it on Kindle Unlimited instead of paying for it.

[Betty Hansford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Fast-Paced

I was somewhat disappointed in this particular series and I think it was because all or most all the action seemed rather disjointed to me. I just did not seem able to keep up, and to add insult to injury, I had problems remembering just where to go back to in order to catch up! I hope that makes sense; if not, oh, well. Next time I decide to read this author, I'll read only one book at a time!

[Andrea Loveless · Rating 1 out of 5]

No

This author has a way if taking an interesting idea and turning into utter garbage. The conversations are stilted, unnatural, and repetitive. No one constantly says it is, are not, will not, etc--ESPECIALLY in the South where dialect makes the shortening words mandatory, not optional. Continuity errors. Mia is dead until she isn't, as is Will. Just all around terrible. I skimmed through over half of this collection just to get the back story of the past. Don't waste your time. The writing is juvenile, the characters boring, and the plot too convoluted.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was really good! It was supernatural but with many twists and turns. Who knew that these two families could have so many secrets. I was really glad when all turned out well for Carrie Jo and Ashland. There had been many bumps in the road for all involved with Seven Sisters series. This is a really good way to read the whole story from many points of view.

[kim caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride!

So glad I got the complete collection. Supernatural beings , dreamwalkers, more and more people revealed their supernatural powers, love, death and retribution. I am glad I did get them all at once as every book was a cliffhanger which was so abrupt it was absurd. Hence 4 stars instead of 5.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good southern ghost stories

These were good southern ghost stories. The descriptions the author gives put you right there in the given time as it hops back and forth. Some what predictive is the reason for 3 instead of 4 stars. They have been good summer reads, easy to pick up and put down.

[Donna B. Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful.

I have nothing but good to say about this series. Characters likeable and well defined, story engrossing. The writing style of switching the first person narration to the different characters works well for me. It allows me to understand the feelings and moral values of the characters better. Conclusion was satisfying.

[Kimberleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a collection of 6 books. Although I enjoyed them, several book endings felt rushed. It definitely seemed like the author intended to end the series after Book 3. All in all, good summer fluff reads.

[Patricia Folks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had so many twit and turns, you had no idea what would happen next. This book was so hard to put down. Did most of my reading on my breaks at work and found myself late coming back from breaks. You will truly enjoy this book. Can' wait to read the other books on Seven Sisters series.

[Nora Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed tho ok. It went back and forth , from past to present but with no confusion. You got to meet the characters from both time period do and it made it so enjoyable. I will be reading a lot of M.L. BULLOCK,IN,THE FUTURE. please keep writing. Nora Moore

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dreaming the past

Yes, that’s what happens throughout this series. Once you start reading the first chapter, you will continue to the very end. Excellent storyline. Can’t wait to read the Idlewood series.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Book

I loved this collection. Likable characters, beautiful scenery, a spooky old house and ghosts all set in the south. What more could you ask for? I intend to enjoy more of this author. The books are wonderful. :)

[Michele M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

u may loose a bit of sleep

Awesome and intricate series. Keeps one reading way past bedtime. U may loose some sleep if u read at nite as dawn breaks in the middle of a chapter. Y’all can’t let it go until it’s finished

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! Couldn't stop reading!!

[Laura S Ezell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I am a graduate of south alabama with a major in anthropology. Loved the references to south and mobile, great series and can't wait to read the others!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

I enjoyed this book and will read her next book.
Ten more words required. Six more words required.
Two more.

[Maria Grothaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read

Couldn't put this down! If you enjoy ghost stories this book is for you. Eager to read other series that were touched on a bit in this series.

[andrea blackthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed the books. The story was engaging. The Bouncing around
In time did get confusing. I kept losing track of characters.

[shelia Manzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love


Love
I love these books. I want to read more. They keep me entertained. Thank you for wonderful reads. Want more.

[Erica Means · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ultimate family ghost story

This was a series of stories revolving around ghosts, dreams, murder and more. Several off-shoot story lines that can lead to further books.