Block by Block: A Rome London Novel

by Xann-shapella Smith

Two unlikely companions from different worlds - One a pragmatic travel writer with a unique gift, the other a dashing shipping tycoon - come together to solve a mystery that extends beyond the grave. It’s a story within a story, linking a tragic English romance from 1840 to the happenings of the present day. It all takes place in a British castle, rebuilt on Australian soil, home to a group of spirits unable to move on. As the story unfolds, Rome London is drawn into the beautiful yet tragic love story of Heath’s ghostly ancestors. But that’s not all that’s happening, as a budding romance between Heath and Rome tries to find its footing. Block by Block is the first book in the Rome London series.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2017

About the author

Xann-shapella Smith resides on a small farm where beauty and solace provide the perfect atmosphere for creating stories as far as the expanse of her imagination. Writing has been one of her life's great loves, and telling a good story is one of her passions.
Her zeal for storytelling has produced books and scripts that span many genres, including drama, romance, comedy, fantasy, adventure, and science fiction. Xann's writing is a skill that rewards her in abundance and a gift she's happy to share with audiences everywhere.

Reviews

[SSR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters and the premise. Rome London (great name for someone who writes about travel) has to come to terms with her inheritance. Her first hurdle is allowing herself to recognize that she has this gift. Then, she must figure out how to communicate with the stranded souls that seek her out without the world learning about her ability and exposing her, or worst, labeling her as crazy. Along her travels, she meets many interesting people with whom she has to choose to either trust with her secret or deceive them. While on assignment, her path intersects with a slightly annoying millionaire, Heath, and the anguished soul that has direct ties to him. As she finds herself caught in a web of hidden agendas to hurt Heath, Rome must make decisions that will either drastically alter her life or walk away and ignore her destiny.

[Sherry Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 14-year-old daughter and I read this book and absolutely loved it. We both actually had a hard time putting it down. It's got suspense, witty dialogue, great characters, mystery, the supernatural, and a beautiful historically-accurate back story woven throughout that made it that much more of a page turner from beginning to end. We both can't wait for Book #2!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not want it end.

This a great ghost story. The twist and turns are many and unexpected. Anyone who enjoys ghosts or are believers of ghosts will enjoy this book. I am looking forward for book #2.

[Diana Hoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure!

A well told story of adventure, mystery, and love! I’ve read all three and am not ready to leave these great characters. Can’t wait for another!! ❤️

[Telly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of historical fiction I really enjoy: A mystery from the past that’s paired with an intriguing present day narrative. The past and present are literally entwined in this book as the spirits from the past are stuck in the present, unable to ‘move on’. That’s where Rome and her ‘gift’ come in. She stumbles on an English castle being rebuilt in Australia and the twists and turns you’re taken on as Rome unravels the Jones family’s mysterious past is riveting. I couldn’t put the book down!