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Troubled Spirits

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Jody has been a conduit for ghosts her entire life. Not only do they come to her for help, but at times she experiences what they feel when they die. This gift or curse comes at a high personal cost—especially when a child is involved. There’s not a man alive who is willing to compete with troubled spirits.

Jared, a wealthy and determined high-powered P.I., has lived without love his entire life. In business if he wants something, he goes after it with a vengeance and is usually not denied. His life experiences have taught him that believing and trusting in others is a dead end street.

But on one magical night Jared meets Jody, and they soon find themselves on the brink of falling in love. But will the spirits surrounding Jody relinquish their hold on her in order for Jared to stake his claim or will their love disappear in an ethereal puff of smoke?

296 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2017

1 person is currently reading
358 people want to read

About the author

Sandy Wolters

9 books110 followers
I’ve been an avid reader for years. To my husband’s dismay, I have bookshelves full of books, rooms full of books, boxes full of books. My cars have books in them. I just can’t seem to get rid of them after I read them. You just never know when you will want to read it again, right?

About two years ago, my husband gave me the dream gift, a Kindle. It was love at first sight and my first foray into the world of ebooks. To say the least, I am a technologically challenged person but when a reader, such as I, is told that you can have the book you want to read in seconds, I’m going to do whatever it takes to learn how to use it as quickly as possible.

While I still have books everywhere, I no longer take ten or twelve books with me when I go on vacation. The only thing I need is my Kindle. It never leaves my purse.

My genre of choice is romance with a paranormal twist. My authors of choice are Diana Palmer, Iris Johansen, Catherine Coulter, Jill Gregory and of course, the queen, Nora Roberts. I am also very partial to Michael Connelly, who is not a romance author but damn that man can write!

In my life prior to becoming an author, I was a Legal Assistant/Office Manager for a wonderful local estate planning attorney (no criminals that I know of). Prior to that, I also worked my way up the ladder in a large corporation, from payroll clerk to supervising nine employees in operational accounting.

When my children, Shandelle and Pilar, were small, I took a few years off to be a full-time mom and help my husband with his accounting work for his auto repair shop.

After, Michael, my husband, sold his business, he changed professions and started working for a national construction company.

Michael and I raised two beautiful, strong women so that’s who I write about. The women in my books are strong individuals that have moments of weakness and frailty to work through.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,585 reviews1,611 followers
December 28, 2017
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🌟🌟🌟🌟STARS .
I loved this so much, Troubled Spirits (Spirit Voices #1) by Sandy Wolters snuck up and took me completely by surprise.
This is actually meant to tell the story of Jody and Jared, but for me, it was equally little Fiona's tale.
And what a little strong-willed adorable poppet she came across as, but I digress, let me start at the very beginning here.
So we have Jody who sees ghosts, has done all of her life and one night while sleeping she is awakened by the sobs of a little girl, Fiona.
Fiona wants Jody to contact her parents for her, in fact, she is extremely insistent.
Jody herself knows that the only way to get the little girl to move on is to comply with her request and as each visit from Fiona leeches the energy from herself she needs to be quick with this.
The only problem is Fiona is a little girl and as such has limited information on her past.
So fast forward a little bit and Jody is attending the opening of one of her best friends Art Show, here she gets to meet the very dynamic but cynical and closed off Jared a PI in business with her other childhood friend.
After some unbelievable convincing, Jared taken and besotted at first sight with Jody agrees to help her locate the child's parents.
So that's the main gist of troubled spirits.
Not an amazingly original concept right?
wrong!!!
What makes Troubled Spirits so epic is the sheer emotion it manages to convey to the reader.
Originally upon starting this I worried the writing style and myself would have issues adhering, we so didn't, cannot express just how much I fell in love with these simple yet amazingly complex individuals.
And in my opinion, this is mostly due to the lyrical prose of the author, where each word conveyed by her packed such a poignant and emotive sentiment behind them, a brilliant talent all by itself.
Troubled Spirits was for me more plot-driven than normal romantic fiction.
It gave the impression that the romance was a secondary concern.
And I found this a very refreshing concept indeed.
If I had to give a comparison to compare this to, the TV show Medium springs to mind, in as much as it also portrayed the ghosts as real people to talk to. such a fascinating subject to read about.
Although the plot with this moved at quite a slow pace, it had no trouble keeping me enthralled throughout.
sometimes simple just works, it also says to me that the author has no need of plot gimmicks to hold its reader, so bravo Sandy Wolters, I am suitably impressed indeed.
So its safe to say I have no trouble recommending this to others Troubled Spirits was a breath of fresh air that kept me captivated to the very end.
I received a free Readers copy of this book of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
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Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Profile Image for Linda.
681 reviews34 followers
May 22, 2017
Troubled Spirits by Sandy Wolters

Jody sees and speaks with spirits of dead people who have not crossed over to the beyond. She has two dear friends; Nathan, a former police officer who is employed as a security specialist, and Terry, a promising artist. Having known each other since childhood they know each other’s deep dark secrets and are unconditionally committed to Jody. Communing with spirits takes a physical toll on Jody and it seems as if her powers are growing with detriment to her wellbeing.

Due to past failed relationships Jody has closed herself off to the possibility of ever finding a man who can deal with her gift. Until she meets Jared, Nathan’s partner. Jared is a wealthy P.I. with a hardened heart who grew up in a dysfunctional home. As soon as Jared sets his eyes on Jody he feels an irresistible attraction, which is a foreign feeling for him, and he’s not sure what to make of it.

The story moves slowly with overly descriptive prose for each character and the events surrounding Jody’s communications with the spirits. I found myself unwittingly enthralled. Troubled Spirits is written in third-person-omniscient POV, which put me in mind of Women’s Lit with an element of paranormal. The characters leap off the page and into your heart. Even Jared with his struggle to deal with his obsession with Jody and coming to terms with her gift. The dialogue is realistic and the spirits dilemmas are plausible.

Jody is a strong heroine and the spirit stories are captivating, heartbreaking, and uplifting at the same time. “Troubled Spirits” sets up a solid foundation for Ms. Wolters’ new series, Spirit Voices.

FYI: “Troubled Spirits” is book one in Ms. Wolters’ new series, Spirit Voices.
The book contains some graphic sex scenes and several F-bombs. **Originally written for "BigAl’s Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy.** May 4, 2017
Format/Typo Issues: No significant proofing or formatting issues.
Profile Image for Babs.
Author 16 books190 followers
February 7, 2019
Jody has the gift of being a medium. Some days are better than others. A little girl, Fiona, comes to her and heightens Jody’s abilities to the next level. With the help of her friends Nathan who is a PI, Terry an artist, and her new friend Jared, she might be able to help the four year old.

You can read the rest of my review over at CoffeeTime Romance...https://coffeetimeromance.com/bookrev...
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,087 reviews50 followers
August 19, 2017
What a wild, wonderful, beautiful, and scary read. I love to read stories about people who converse with ghosts, in fiction, and this books is amazing of you like that sort of thing. It's also a beautiful love story of friends and of lovers. Of compassion and strength. I loved it.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Desiree reilly.
419 reviews38 followers
May 6, 2018
I RECEIVED this book for review and it was great book here you got a girl named jodi who is ghost whisper and she had the nack to talk to the ghost and get the spirit to pass one.
Well one ghost her name was Fiona you see she a child and does not now what happen to her she cry for mommy and daddy so it Jodi take the task on to find out what wrong and why she not passed yet
Jodi own a grooming service and then there Brad a vet who is next door so if they had to have the pet groomed they take them to Jodi place Well Fiona was a troubled soul you can say she was lost and want to be found now it taking Jodi to a different area she can talk to the spirits and some time go with the spirits now Brad is getting in evolved you see he like her but she does not now what to do . Brad go to help her find why she died and why she crying .

The book will pull you in to the book and then the up and down of the spirit world and what is live and what or who is dead i really got in the book and in joyed it you see how Jodie solves the problem of the dead and then brings family toghter.
Profile Image for Megan =^..^=.
636 reviews7 followers
June 3, 2017
Definitely the start of a great series. Jody and Jared are amazing characters that have a phenomenal dynamic between them. Highly recommend!!
44 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2017
***Received a reader's copy in exchange for a fair review***
Although I'm not a big fan of ghost stories, this book was different but still really enjoyable. Jared is a PI who cant explain his reason for being drawn to an art show when he completely detests them. After meeting Jody, Jared understands the reason why. Jody has been a conduit for ghosts all her life and it has made her life difficult. Unwilling to open up herself to Jared but needing his PI skills, Jody has to fight her attraction to Jared while they work together to help the spirit. With difficult spirits draining her energy and her abilities evolving, this book was the perfect mix of mystery and love. To me this book finished too soon. I was captivated by Jody and Jared's story and honestly I wouldn't mind another book where their story continues. If you guys are a fan of Sci-fi Romance stories, this book is just the book for you 😏😏
For more reviews check out my blog Aresha's Book Corner @ aresha001.simplesite.com
49 reviews
August 21, 2017

The way it was written was simple and beautiful. The plot was very moving as we get to see the realistic view of people who can talk or see ghost and how exactly they are or will be treated. The pacing felt right and the way the author handled the ending was amazing.


Jody is and interesting woman with scars brought by her ability to see ghost. What I liked about her character is that it was complex and intriguing at the same time. Throughout the story, we get to see her character develop. Jared was a bit of a very generic love interest who is rich,brooding and swore to protect MC because he suddenly felt attached to her. Despite this, I liked how he was caring and was willing to go through any lengths to help Jody on her mission to deliver the words of the deceased to their love ones.


Overall, it is a beautiful romantic story about accepting the person you love for who they really are. Their fears, joys and everything in between.


I received an ARC from the publisher from Netgalley. I thank them for sending this wonderful book to me.

Profile Image for NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews .
1,290 reviews194 followers
May 14, 2018
Jody has been plagued with what some may call a gift, but she deems it a curse—she can see and speak with the dead. Doing her best to ignore her “gift”, Jody comes up against a ghost that will not be tuned out. Fiona, a ghost child that desperately wants to speak with her mommy, and won’t take no for an answer, haunts Jody night and day. Heartbroken for Fiona, Jody begins investigating, and seeks the help of a private investigator, Jared. Together they work towards unraveling the mystery and in doing so, find themselves falling in love.

Troubled Spirits will both thrill and chill readers! Fans of the TV show The Ghost Whisperer will devour this tale! I look forward to the rest of the series and would recommend!
Profile Image for CoffeeTimeRomance andMore.
2,046 reviews161 followers
January 25, 2019
Taken into the pages of Trouble Spirits, Jody and Jared come to life like no other book. The characters both have flaws that anyone can relate to. Jared shows the love he has for Jody and her ability to help ghosts. She shows how hard it is to let anyone in to her life. The pages seem to turn themselves as a person is sucked in with wonderful characters.
Babs
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review @ Coffee Time Romance & More
152 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2020
Wow, wow, wow!

Sandy Wolters pulled me in from the first chapter and I literally had to make myself put the book down to get some sleep.

This story is so well developed, with major and minor characters that ensnare you in their tale. Ms. Wolters skillfully weaves their stories with enough twists and shifts to keep the reader engaged and hanging on to each word.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Troubled Spirits. I can't wait to read the next installment in the series.
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,828 reviews47 followers
May 6, 2017
I was so excited when I found out that Sandy had a new book coming out . Her books are always such a great read . This new book had me staying up all night to finish reading .
  Let me introduce you to Jody , a ghost whisperer by all sense of the word . She is a conduit for the dead to talk to the living  and trials that befall her when a young girl enters her life and reeks havoc . Enter Jared a PI who doesn't believe in the physics and the ghost realm . But when he meets Jody everything changes and will they survive what the ghost world or will their love go up in smoke .
     I loved the characters in this story . Jody is such a sweet and lovable woman . Who is the real deal when it comes to communicating with ghosts. But she is also very sad and lonely . You can feel it coming off the pages at you . She is stronger then she appears . When she meets a little girl. Fiona you see her strength come through big time . You will love her strength and her capacity at loving . Jared is the alpha man that doesn't believe in physics . His childhood was marred with parents that had no time for him. He has all the wealth a man could want . Until the fated day he meets Jody and the tables are turned . He is head over heels in love with her and will do anything to keep her safe . They are such a great couple together . They are sweet and lovable . They will make your heart beat a little faster
    The author takes us on such a journey in this book . I had an ugly cry when i was reading . There is one scene that you will cry , but that ugly cry is actually tears of joy and happiness . This book had me thinking of the show Ghost whisperer . The way the author wrote is like watching a movie in your head . You see the characters and how they interact in your mind vividly .  It flows so well and the characters are so complex you will fall in love them . This story is like all the other books this author has written . They are sweet and sexy with such a passion . You will be swooning and reading all night long .  So check out Troubled Spirits its up for pre order right now . Release date is may 5th

PRE ORDER LINK FOR AMAZON
https://www.amazon.com/Troubled-Spiri...
Profile Image for Hannah Jones.
76 reviews7 followers
August 15, 2018
My overall thoughts of this book throw me back to the days of watching Ghost whisperer with Jennifer love-Hewitt.
Jody's gift of seeing spirits with one last message comes across as a gift, however it is beginning to feel more like a curse, this story explores how a small 4 year old persistent spirit girl, called Fiona tests Jody to her limits.

For the first time in a while it was nice to see a female character have two close male friends who have stuck by her and wanted nothing more than friendship, I find this rare in most books.
Another refreshing part was reading how Jody and Jared built their relationship on trust  before they became involved.  Jody came across as a loner where as Jared came across as a possessive sceptic before he fell for Jody's non profited gift.

I found the beginning of the book very descriptive, looking at the story from different character view points.  Even though this helped build up a profile on each character I do feel this brought  the book down, only because it made the beginning of the book so slow.  It took me until 40% of the way through before I felt I was getting somewhere, and Jared had not even shown up yet.

Overall I did enjoy this book, the beginning was slow but once I got halfway through I was stuck.  I couldn't put the book down.  I wish there was a second to see how Jody gets on with her new life and gifts.  I can't say too much because it would ruin the end.  Definitely give it a read.
Profile Image for **Elle**Bee**Double U**.
2,213 reviews24 followers
September 7, 2018
I have finally found a book that I couldn't put down and honestly didn't want to stop reading!

Jody is a medium. She can communicate with spirits and this ability only seems to grow.
Although she's seen the good that this ability can do, it's not very helpful when it comes to having a relationship. Men can't seem to understand that even though she would like to ignore a spirit and help until it's convenient for her, the option is not available.

J.R (Jared) has grown up always believing emotions were a weakness and something he didn't have time for. Going to an art show with his business partner was his ideal way to spend a night, but the night is eventually turned upside down for Jared when he sees a painting that has him feeling conflicted emotions.

As a PI, Jared has probably experienced psychic and is doubtful of what they can do. However, Jody and her abilities has him second guessing everything he's every thought and felt in his life.

I absolutely fell in love with this book. It took me a bit to kind of get into it. The beginning chapters are a bit slower than I would've liked. However, Once it gets to the art show the action and story start to take off and it was hard for me to put my kindle down!
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
May 5, 2017
“A Great Story Of Love And Ghosts”

When one dies, their body dies, but their spirit rises and never dies. Jody has been plagued all her life having psychic abilities to see ghosts. They often visit her wanting her to contact a specific living soul to give them a message. Once that task is accomplished, the spirit can continue on to the other peaceful side. Jody wakes suddenly one morning and sees a ghost sitting on her bed. Fiona is only four years old and wants Jody to find her parents so they can receive her message. It’s a difficult job. Most men avoid her as they can’t believe in her powers; they think she’s just nuts. But eventually to help Fiona, Jody has a man in her life who will support her in her quest for Fiona’s parents. For the first time, Jody falls in love with this man, Jared, who will not forsake her. This story is fast paced and has an explosive beginning. It’s suspenseful and certainly will enthrall you. This very creative, well written story by Sandy Wolters is her best. It chills your bones as well as warms your heart. Highly recommend...she’s a great author.
Profile Image for Amy.
389 reviews7 followers
February 26, 2018
Jody is able to speak with those who have crossed over. So she has a really hard time meeting guys. At her best friends art gallery show she meets a guy who can actually handle her gift. They work really well together to handle to evolving of her gift. He helps her when a little girl ghost attaches herself to Jody and has very little information to find her mom and dad. All the while depleting Jody's energy really badly. And all the while Jared is falling more in love with Jody. I really enjoyed this book. First time for this author. Hopefully we hear more from Jody and Jared!
Profile Image for Lily.
3,454 reviews126 followers
November 8, 2019
This book started out really powerfully, and well-paced. A few chapters in, (around the time of the art show) the pace suddenly deadens. The story loses a lot of the energy that was built up, and I immediately disliked Jared. It's hard to connect with a guy who starts off as so toxic. I loved Jody, and I feel like this would have been a much better story if it had stuck to Jody trying to help Fiona. Wolters is good at conveying emotions, but I really wish the momentum had been maintained throughout the story. I really had to push myself to finish it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for S.K. Gregory.
Author 143 books212 followers
May 8, 2017
Jody can see the dead and when she is visited by a little ghost girl, she is compelled to help her. Her journey takes her to a handsome PI who doesn't believe in psychics. But is there a realtionship blossoming between them?
This was an interesting read, Jody is a good character and I liked her. I do like these kinds of stories. I thought it was well written and I would recommend it to readers who love paranormal romance stories.
Profile Image for Jill.
491 reviews
February 27, 2018
Poor Jody can barely function in the world because she see's spirits and they often ask for help in some way. And forget about having relationships, guys don't stick around after she tells them about it. She is being hounded by the spirit of a little girl who doesn't understand that she can't hang around so much or it makes Jody physically ill. She meets Jared and he's actually helping her try to help this little girl but will it drive them apart in the end?
246 reviews6 followers
August 27, 2018
Jody has seen spirits her whole life than she realized she could help them by passing on messages to family members for them. The spirits could find peace. She wakes up one night with a child's spirit in her bed begging to talk to her parents. Jody has never had a spirit attach itself to her until Fiona. The spirit follows her everywhere begging to get her message to her parents. there were great characters in the story and I am going to read the next book ASAP.
Profile Image for Tresa.
395 reviews6 followers
February 27, 2018
Not a bad story with good characters and a decent storyline. Jody is a medium who delivers messages from those who have crossed over to their loved ones, and because of this she has never been able to keep a relationship. When a spirit of a child attaches itself to Jody, she meets Jared who ends up being the one she has been waiting for her whole life.
985 reviews15 followers
August 25, 2018
It is rare to have such raw, visceral emotions oozing out of the pages of a book. Ms Wolters expertly achieves this through her characters Jody a medium, JR (Jared)a recluse and Fiona a spirit who visits Jody. Some scenes were difficult to read but added to the understanding of Jody's life as a medium. A story of compassion and love that I cannot recommend enough.
Profile Image for Laura.
527 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2019
Where do ghosts go that have unfinished business ? Just ask Jody, she has seen them all her life. S. Wolters write a book that touches a person's heart and makes them think "What would I do in her place?" The story is amazing , it's shows how important some people are in our lives when they believe in us. I had so many emotions while reading and enjoyed every minute of it.
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,193 reviews94 followers
March 1, 2018
I had a very hard time getting into this book. The concept itself was good I enjoyed the bit of mystery and the paranormal aspect.
I just couldn’t get into the story or the characters. I really tried to like this book but my attention was wandering and I had to force myself to finish.
Profile Image for Lori Hammons.
2,962 reviews30 followers
November 3, 2019
Jody's experiences are pretty intense and I found myself having to put the book down periodically. But was so anxious to pick it up again! I love what meeting her did for Jared. I believe she had her gifts for the purpose of her and Jared uniting. Great story.
Profile Image for Nikki Bao.
721 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2018
This was a wonderful book. I enjoyed that Jody was able to find romance and love with someone who has never had it in his life. Jared and Jody were the perfect pairing. Great job, Sandy.
Profile Image for Christine Sobczak.
92 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2018
I loved this story. The characters came to life for me. While it does have a happy ending it was a difficult journey to get there. Highly recommended and can't wait to read the next one
Profile Image for Teri Ditchman.
183 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2018
Very well written. Loved all the characters and loved the way the story evolved. The ending bought tears to my eyes.
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