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Genesis
An unexpected move, an unexpected love, an unexpected world... Essie has been chosen "for such a time as this".
An aspiring journalist, Essie Jacobs is your average high school senior─a good girl─who loves superheroes, Joan Jett, Whoppers and classic rock. When her mom tells her that they will be moving from Bradford, Massachusetts to the tiny town of Eden, Georgia in two weeks, the normally logical teen freaks out. Her life is mapped out, after all, and it doesn't include a move to some hick town in the South. When the inevitable happens, however, her expectations of a boring summer are pleasantly dashed when she meets Ty Gregory, an irresistibly charming boy from a wealthy family. He immediately takes a liking to her and they become inseparable.
Bored with her routine once school begins, though, the independent Essie decides to get a job at the local nursery where she meets Michael Powers, the boy she had seen in a dream before moving to Eden. She learns that Michael's family and Ty's family do not associate, but neither boy will tell her why. Essie's curious nature takes her to the internet where she stumbles upon information about the Grigori. She's always had a feeling that there was something different about Ty and, when he finally admits that he's a fallen angel, she's anything but scared.
An aspiring journalist, Essie Jacobs is your average high school senior─a good girl─who loves superheroes, Joan Jett, Whoppers and classic rock. When her mom tells her that they will be moving from Bradford, Massachusetts to the tiny town of Eden, Georgia in two weeks, the normally logical teen freaks out. Her life is mapped out, after all, and it doesn't include a move to some hick town in the South. When the inevitable happens, however, her expectations of a boring summer are pleasantly dashed when she meets Ty Gregory, an irresistibly charming boy from a wealthy family. He immediately takes a liking to her and they become inseparable.
Bored with her routine once school begins, though, the independent Essie decides to get a job at the local nursery where she meets Michael Powers, the boy she had seen in a dream before moving to Eden. She learns that Michael's family and Ty's family do not associate, but neither boy will tell her why. Essie's curious nature takes her to the internet where she stumbles upon information about the Grigori. She's always had a feeling that there was something different about Ty and, when he finally admits that he's a fallen angel, she's anything but scared.
- GenresAngels
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2014
About the author
Bonnie Berman Shores
1 book377 followers
I love to read (shocker, right?!) 🤓 and I really love to interact with friends who love to read. I'm so impressed by the passion and wit of fellow goodreaders who take the time to write reviews (and use lots of gifs). Thank you!
Now... Since this is an author page...
I was inspired to write my debut novel GENESIS through a dream. A dream where angels and demons hide in plain sight. A story where an ordinary girl can realize the extraordinary. A choice where the consequences are eternal. "An unexpected move, an unexpected love, an unexpected world... Essie has been chosen 'for such a time as this'." If you'd like, you can read it free here: www.amazon.com/dp/B00KKU9TES -or- www.smashwords.com/books/view/670300
Feel free to friend me. I look forward to "meeting" you. 👀📚💗😊
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 28, 2017
One of my friends found this ebook on Smashwords and downloaded it because it was free and it had a few 5 star reviews. It took me a while to get to it because I was reading a series. Anyway, she was right. This book is great! I love graphic novels and fantasy and mostly love to read the action adventure kind of fantasy with warrior-type female leads, but every once in a while I like to read something sweet and innocent, which is exactly what this book is. It doesn't try to be epic. It just tells the simple story of a normal high schooler whose world is shaken when she has to move right before her senior year. Instead of acting stupidly and falling hopelessly in love with a guy she just met, Essie is like most of us -- flattered, but wary. She's a hopeful journalist who tracks down the truth, but still wants to give the fallen angel the benefit of the doubt. Seems about right. Everything in Genesis is relatable from the divorced mom and half siblings to the yearning to step out of the ordinary and live a little dangerously. Essie has been chosen for such a time as this... can't wait to see how she aligns herself in the upcoming battle.
February 28, 2017
Genesis introduces us to Essie Jacobs, her family and her friends. And, oh yeah, angels.
As a lover of fantasy, I often imagine that any number of creatures actually live and move (disguised) among us. This book makes this a believable reality. And why not? If the Bible is to be believed, Shores provides ample references to prove that angels have been, and possibly continue to be, here on Earth. That fact alone is enough to make this a fascinating read. But Genesis is so much more. It's about the excitement of first love. It's about discovering who you are--the good, the bad and the ugly.
Shores doesn't overload her story with unnecessary characters and extraneous plot lines. Instead, she focuses intimately on Essie and those who are most important to her. We get to know them through her eyes and feel the depth of her relationships. Essie also comes off as a real teen who makes sometimes selfish and impulsive decisions rather than one who puts everyone and everything before herself and/or her personal safety. So instead of rolling your eyes and saying, "yeah, right", you actually suck in your breath and think, "ooh, should she be doing that".
By the way, can I be the first to thank the author for not featuring a beautiful girl in a prom dress on her cover?! I appreciate the simplicity of the title giving us a clue as to the content.
As a lover of fantasy, I often imagine that any number of creatures actually live and move (disguised) among us. This book makes this a believable reality. And why not? If the Bible is to be believed, Shores provides ample references to prove that angels have been, and possibly continue to be, here on Earth. That fact alone is enough to make this a fascinating read. But Genesis is so much more. It's about the excitement of first love. It's about discovering who you are--the good, the bad and the ugly.
Shores doesn't overload her story with unnecessary characters and extraneous plot lines. Instead, she focuses intimately on Essie and those who are most important to her. We get to know them through her eyes and feel the depth of her relationships. Essie also comes off as a real teen who makes sometimes selfish and impulsive decisions rather than one who puts everyone and everything before herself and/or her personal safety. So instead of rolling your eyes and saying, "yeah, right", you actually suck in your breath and think, "ooh, should she be doing that".
By the way, can I be the first to thank the author for not featuring a beautiful girl in a prom dress on her cover?! I appreciate the simplicity of the title giving us a clue as to the content.
November 20, 2016
Genesis ignited something within my soul that I haven’t felt since reading the Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis or The Golden Key by George MacDonald.
Shores’ knowledge of the Bible and use of biblical characters enhance the Christian message, which is woven throughout this beautiful story. I fell in love with the lead character, Essie, and grew deeply concerned about the choices she was making between what she knew in her heart to be right and her escalation of commitment in what was wrong. I found myself carried away into a spiritual world with contrasts between angels and demons, humility and pride, and love and deceit. I cannot wait until her sequel comes out as the characters are still etched in my mind and I long for the choices Essie makes to be those guided by God above.
Shores’ knowledge of the Bible and use of biblical characters enhance the Christian message, which is woven throughout this beautiful story. I fell in love with the lead character, Essie, and grew deeply concerned about the choices she was making between what she knew in her heart to be right and her escalation of commitment in what was wrong. I found myself carried away into a spiritual world with contrasts between angels and demons, humility and pride, and love and deceit. I cannot wait until her sequel comes out as the characters are still etched in my mind and I long for the choices Essie makes to be those guided by God above.
May 31, 2017
What did I think of this book?
How do I imagine Ty? And I do imagine Ty...
Overall feeling?
How do I imagine Ty? And I do imagine Ty...
Overall feeling?
January 13, 2017
Wow!
So, this is the first time I've written a review -- mainly because most of the books I've read already have so many reviews that I don't think mine matters. Not the case with this one. Only a dozen or so reviews, so listen up, fellow paranormal romance lovers...
First of all, I read this book in 2 sittings. I didn't start till around 8pm last night and picked it up again right after breakfast. The story was so engrossing I didn't even realize it was ending. I hope the sequel will be released soon.
I'm so glad I stumbled upon this book. And it was a free download!!! I'm usually hesitant to read free books, as the majority of those I've read in the past should have paid me for my lost time. This was not the case with Genesis.
While I wouldn't consider this a Christian book, it's definitely constructed around Christian themes, using scripture and angel mythology to support the story line. I think it's a sweet romance that happens to be between a human girl and an angel (or two?)
As you can see from the book description, Essie is a normal high school girl who meets a fallen angel after moving to Georgia. What was unexpected was the "reality" of the angel/demon stuff. Most of the angel books I've read portray angels as waging war against humanity and lording over it. Because most of the angel info comes straight from the Bible, it makes the story so plausible. Shores has a scriptural reference for almost everything involving Ty and Michael which made me want to google things. After finding that the things were true, it just made me love the plot that much more.
Essie is a strong lead and we see her character evolve as her relationship with Ty grows stronger. I'm not sure how I feel about that, though. I mean, Ty's hot and rich and fun, but I think I'm hoping for her to want Michael. Did I mention I can't wait for the next book! Please hurry up @genesistrilogy! Essie is likable and relatable and I found myself getting lost in her world, which is the whole point of reading.
So, this is the first time I've written a review -- mainly because most of the books I've read already have so many reviews that I don't think mine matters. Not the case with this one. Only a dozen or so reviews, so listen up, fellow paranormal romance lovers...
First of all, I read this book in 2 sittings. I didn't start till around 8pm last night and picked it up again right after breakfast. The story was so engrossing I didn't even realize it was ending. I hope the sequel will be released soon.
I'm so glad I stumbled upon this book. And it was a free download!!! I'm usually hesitant to read free books, as the majority of those I've read in the past should have paid me for my lost time. This was not the case with Genesis.
While I wouldn't consider this a Christian book, it's definitely constructed around Christian themes, using scripture and angel mythology to support the story line. I think it's a sweet romance that happens to be between a human girl and an angel (or two?)
As you can see from the book description, Essie is a normal high school girl who meets a fallen angel after moving to Georgia. What was unexpected was the "reality" of the angel/demon stuff. Most of the angel books I've read portray angels as waging war against humanity and lording over it. Because most of the angel info comes straight from the Bible, it makes the story so plausible. Shores has a scriptural reference for almost everything involving Ty and Michael which made me want to google things. After finding that the things were true, it just made me love the plot that much more.
Essie is a strong lead and we see her character evolve as her relationship with Ty grows stronger. I'm not sure how I feel about that, though. I mean, Ty's hot and rich and fun, but I think I'm hoping for her to want Michael. Did I mention I can't wait for the next book! Please hurry up @genesistrilogy! Essie is likable and relatable and I found myself getting lost in her world, which is the whole point of reading.
November 16, 2016
The Amazing Spider-Man vs. Spider-Man (possible SPOILERS)
A stupid title for a review of a book about angels and demons, you say? Well, wait a second and I'll explain. If you saw both movies, you probably know what I mean. If not, here goes. In Spider-Man, Peter Parker was sullen and boring ─ he never used his abilities to just have fun. In The Amazing Spider-Man, Peter did what I personally think any normal person would do... he embarrassed the popular jock who had embarrassed him, he caught bad guys just because he could, and he used his abilities to impress the girl! Come on, now! Wouldn't you?
That's the comparison I drew because Essie does what any normal person would do when you find out your boyfriend is an angel with superpowers ─ you take full advantage. You don't shrink in fear, you don't prevent him from using them to get his way, and you certainly don't tell him not to speed in his Ferrari.
In too many of these YA paranormal romances, the lead female is weak and pathetic, someone no real guy would ever want to get involved with. Essie has a strong personality and she doesn't let anyone, not even an angel, tell her what to do. She falls for Ty, but her struggle is real. She makes her own decisions and accepts the consequences.
If you like YA romance, especially if you're at all intrigued with angels and demons, read Genesis. You won't be disappointed.
A stupid title for a review of a book about angels and demons, you say? Well, wait a second and I'll explain. If you saw both movies, you probably know what I mean. If not, here goes. In Spider-Man, Peter Parker was sullen and boring ─ he never used his abilities to just have fun. In The Amazing Spider-Man, Peter did what I personally think any normal person would do... he embarrassed the popular jock who had embarrassed him, he caught bad guys just because he could, and he used his abilities to impress the girl! Come on, now! Wouldn't you?
That's the comparison I drew because Essie does what any normal person would do when you find out your boyfriend is an angel with superpowers ─ you take full advantage. You don't shrink in fear, you don't prevent him from using them to get his way, and you certainly don't tell him not to speed in his Ferrari.
In too many of these YA paranormal romances, the lead female is weak and pathetic, someone no real guy would ever want to get involved with. Essie has a strong personality and she doesn't let anyone, not even an angel, tell her what to do. She falls for Ty, but her struggle is real. She makes her own decisions and accepts the consequences.
If you like YA romance, especially if you're at all intrigued with angels and demons, read Genesis. You won't be disappointed.
February 28, 2017
No school today... what else is there to do but finish a great book?! My friend just read this and downloaded it on my kindle so I wouldn't forget about it. I knew there was a reason she's my best friend! ;) How bad would it suck to have to move for your senior year??? Luckily, Essie meets the dreamy and irresistible Ty within a week of moving to Georgia. Everything about him is swoon-worthy and you, along with Essie, ignore the fact that he is a fallen angel. Sure, she does her homework just as any good journalist would do, but Ty is too much fun to let facts get in the way. Add Ty's twin sister to the mix and the opposition doesn't stand a chance. Karen reminds me of my bff, fun and open-minded, and it's easy to picture us hanging out at the airport watching planes take off and land. Thanks for the great idea, Ms. Shores. :) Genesis is really well-written and you can get into it from page one -- we have the same problem with "stair stuff" at my house. I love the ending but I can't wait for more!!!
November 3, 2016
An ordinary teen thrown into extraordinary circumstances...that is exactly what happens to Essie Jacobs when her life takes an unexpected turn her senior year of high school. Residing to the fact she is stuck in Georgia, she quickly gets involved with a handsome, charming and impossible to ignore young man who immediately steals her heart. But there is someone else who has been patiently waiting for her affection.
Wow! What a thrilling, adventurous, exciting, nail-biting ride Bonnie Shores takes you on in her YA novel, genesis. She shows the reader how we as humans can be so easily captivated by the lies and deception of the devil, yet still seeing the truth even if we choose to ignore it. She cleverly introduces each chapter with a song title that gives you a hint of what is to come in the following pages.
The way the characters develop throughout the novel is subtle and well written. I very much enjoy the way Bonnie pulls the reader in and allows you to experience Essie's struggle as she makes her choices between good and evil. I can't wait to read what happens next!
Wow! What a thrilling, adventurous, exciting, nail-biting ride Bonnie Shores takes you on in her YA novel, genesis. She shows the reader how we as humans can be so easily captivated by the lies and deception of the devil, yet still seeing the truth even if we choose to ignore it. She cleverly introduces each chapter with a song title that gives you a hint of what is to come in the following pages.
The way the characters develop throughout the novel is subtle and well written. I very much enjoy the way Bonnie pulls the reader in and allows you to experience Essie's struggle as she makes her choices between good and evil. I can't wait to read what happens next!
January 23, 2017
when you choose to rate a book five stars, the option says "it was amazing". that is absolutely true of genesis. i genuinely thought it was amazing. essie, her family, and her friends are characters that you can totally relate to. they do the same things we all do. i read a lot of fantasy books and usually the settings are unreal (hence, fantasy, i guess). this book presents angels among us and makes it believable. i love how the author makes demons lovable and that you hope against hope that they won't want to remain demons, even though the scripture she uses makes you know in your mind that they probably won't change. that's why i can't even wait for the next book. will essie stay with ty? or will she choose michael? will janie support her no matter what? will karen be safe now that she knows the truth? i hope the next book is published soon. and i'm looking forward to reading genesis again once it is. read this book!!!
August 24, 2014
Genesis is the kind of novel I couldn't put down.
For me, the characters came to life & jumped right off the pages. I loved that they took on personalities everyday people can relate to. I am intrigued with the romance laced throughout the story and found myself closing my eyes to imagine the romantic settings being described. I was very impressed with the way the author took the time inserting a wide range of details from Whoppers (candy) to Biblical quotes (I could actually look up and literally read in the Bible). The more people who read and blog about this new author's debut novel, the more insight and perspective we can gather on where she plans to take us in her second book. I can't wait!
For me, the characters came to life & jumped right off the pages. I loved that they took on personalities everyday people can relate to. I am intrigued with the romance laced throughout the story and found myself closing my eyes to imagine the romantic settings being described. I was very impressed with the way the author took the time inserting a wide range of details from Whoppers (candy) to Biblical quotes (I could actually look up and literally read in the Bible). The more people who read and blog about this new author's debut novel, the more insight and perspective we can gather on where she plans to take us in her second book. I can't wait!
February 28, 2017
I'm in love with Ty!!! Why can't real boys ever be as awesome as fictional ones?! "As you wish." If only... ;) Genesis is a great read and it's easy to imagine yourself in Essie's place and getting caught up in the excitement of having a boyfriend with supernatural abilities. So what if he's a fallen angel. What does that even mean?! He's into her and she's loving every minute of it. She's kind of "every girl" in that she has realistic struggles but chooses to ignore them (for the most part) and live in the moment. The best example of living in the moment (SPOILER) is how she wants to use the portals to travel with her best friend. Whether you're Team Ty or Team Michael, you'll love Essie and Genesis.
February 28, 2017
Yes!!! Finally, a YA novel with Christian values that doesn't come off as preachy. Essie is a high school senior who hasn't conformed to the patterns of this world -- she's not having sex (although I think she struggles with that desire after meeting Ty), she's smart and she speaks her mind. She wants to do the right thing, like being there for her mom and siblings, but she also wants to step out of her ordinary life sometimes. She's smitten with Ty but acknowledges who (and what) he is and she does her best to figure out the truth. While I desperately hope she changes her mind and chooses Michael, I enjoyed imagining myself in her place as she was "wined and dined" -- and then some -- by Ty. If you're into YA paranormal/romance that doesn't make you blush, I promise you'll love Genesis.
November 11, 2016
The Author Really Knows Her Stuff!
Genesis has a creative plot and smart writing, particularly when it comes to the history of angels. Shores knows her stuff. Her facts come straight from the Bible and various Apocryphal writings and she weaves these facts expertly into her story.
Although the premise is that angels and demons really do exist and are hiding in plain sight, the plot is believable and refreshingly different. The main characters are well-developed, multi-dimensional and likeable. The story advances at a just-right pace that allows for character and plot development without dragging.
Genesis has a creative plot and smart writing, particularly when it comes to the history of angels. Shores knows her stuff. Her facts come straight from the Bible and various Apocryphal writings and she weaves these facts expertly into her story.
Although the premise is that angels and demons really do exist and are hiding in plain sight, the plot is believable and refreshingly different. The main characters are well-developed, multi-dimensional and likeable. The story advances at a just-right pace that allows for character and plot development without dragging.
November 11, 2014
Let me just say, I inhaled this book! I couldn't put it down! I am salivating for the next book! (Get writing Mrs. Shores!) I LOVED Essie! Great female lead character (unlike so many others I have read) and I have a few issues with Ty! But I will have no spoilers here and will write a more in-depth review after reading it again, and slower. I got so into it and read it in 3 days! At Disney World! Must slow down and savor...
May 31, 2017
This is my first review, so I'm not sure exactly what to say. So I'll just say that I really loved this book because it made my heart happy and I didn't want it to end.
February 28, 2017
loved it!!!!! did not want it to end... so anxious for the next book... I hope Essie wakes up and sees Ty for who he really is. she should be with Michael [swoon].
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews