The Dove

The Family Creed #5.5

by Shauna Allen

~ Five brothers, one family tragedy, untold heartache. ~

I am the missing piece.
The little girl lost.
The heartache that has haunted my family for over a decade—their greatest joy and their greatest pain.
Over the last ten years, I’ve lived in the memories of those I love the most, trapped in their tears, weaved into the fabric of their lives, whispering the truth to their souls.
But it’s time for me to tell my story.
It’s finally my time.
My name is Claire Creed.
I am The Dove.

***READER NOTE***
***This is the sixth and final book of this 6-part emotional family saga series. You have followed the Creed family and gotten each brother’s love story. You also finally know what happened to Claire—it’s time to hear it in her own words.
***Due to violence, graphic content, and potential triggers, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. Please read with care.
***Also, please take note that The Dove is NOT a standalone novella. It is NOT a romance and it does NOT have a traditional happy ever after ending.

I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

It also contains HUGE spoilers for anyone who has not already read the series. So, if you haven’t read the first five books . . .
STOP!
Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. Go do that first. I’ll wait for you here.
I promise it’s worth it.
Here they are in order:
The Executioner (Asher Creed)
The Rainmaker (Levi Creed)
The Gunman (Jamison Creed)
The Prodigal (Joshua Creed)
The Silencer (Silas Creed)
If you have read all of these, well, then you’re ready for Claire’s story.
Buckle your seatbelts, kids. It’s about to get emotional.

34 pages, ebook

Published August 29, 2017

About the author

Shauna grew up an only child with two open and loving parents in Central Texas. She’s married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother to three fantastic children, including one she recently sent off to the Air Force.

When she’s not reading or writing, Shauna is a freelance editor and lover of all things Gerard Butler.

She also writes Contemporary YA under the pen name SC Montgomery.

Shauna would love for you to visit her at her website at: www.shaunaallen.com
Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/shauna.allen.12
Twitter : http://tiny.cc/s0dlmw

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shauna has written a beautiful series of the Family Creed and their love and heartbreak. The Dove is the final book and Claire's story. You must read the others before reading this book. It's her story of life, her love for her family, friends, her final hours, and her afterlife. As much as you will need lots of Kleenex, this story gives us a beautiful and touching closure to an unforgettable series!

Now I'm excited for what Shauna has coming! More Creeds?

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author isn’t kidding when she says do NOT read this book until you’ve read the others in the series. If you haven’t read them yet, start with The Executioner and read your way through. The Family Creed is a stunningly beautiful series, and your heart won’t be the same after having read it. If you want epic romance with unbreakable family ties that will move you like no other, this is the series for you.

This is Claire's story of the events surrounding her disappearance, and her story is really for the readers, to give us closure. It is heartbreakingly poignant and the perfect conclusion to The Family Creed, so be sure to finish the series with The Dove. And if you fall in love with all the Creeds, as I have, we can hold on to hope together that we haven’t seen the last of this wonderful family. ;)

*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dove is the final book in the Family Creed series. It is imperative that you read the other books first. This is Claire's story. From previous books, we've known what happened to Claire. Now, we see it from her perspective. I cried, but was so thankful to be able to read Claire's story, to see what she went through, to know what she was feeling. This is a heartbreaking, emotional book. Have the tissues handy!!

[Ga Books LoverX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heartbreaking. In this novella we get Claire's story and y'all it is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. I am freaking tearing up just thinking about what I read in this short story. It gives us resolution and peace and a voice to a 15 year old girl that was taken away from her family too early.

ABSOLUTELY AN AMAZING SERIES!!!

I received this book and series for free but am honestly and voluntarily reviewing it!

[Nina Derr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfect in the fact that it tied up what happened to Claire. It was heartbreaking finding out what happened to Claire but the ending was just so sweet.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

hope Shauna will change these book covers soon, it is a bit confusing to find the books ... just saying. thanks!! must read series. (I am rating each book separately, but I did read each of them all together, like in one seating, not in one day I don't mean that ...but I didn't review each book after I read each book, I am reviewing after I have read every book, I think the Rainmaker and The Executioner are my major faves. 2. The Prodigal, followed by The Dove and lastly The Gunman and The Silencer ... they just didn't grab me like the others .. I mean they are emotional ... and raw ... a bit of grit ...but those others I just felt for the boys.) I am debating on the star for each of these reads as well as the novella? I love a good series, I love getting really into the family and feeling like they are old friends. The Family Creed Series, can I narrow it down to just one word ...that explains it all. NOPE. so many layers, like a cake, take one layer away and the whole cake with sham to nothing!! I get why they were meant to be together, don't read out of order or nothing will fall into place. & you would not want that, would ya??! Enjoy these old cover, but get why they were changed. If I went on the new book cover (making those stars reflect my fave) I would pick The Dove (novella) that lady who is on that cover, what a beauty .. those green eyes. maybe not really her eye color but so captures ur curiosity. 2nd spot (between The Executioner or The Rainmaker). 3. definitely the Prodigal ...and for me the other 2 just didn't have me thinking of the characters quite right??! but close kind of situation. Just saying. I have a huge "wordpad" on my computer .. I don't have a i-anything ... I have a laptop ...that give u the wordpad option to make notes and save them. so that is what i do ... wish you could look over my shoulder and see that ...but I don't wanna reveal anything about the series that would be considered a spoiler .. i want u to get your own idea and opinions. totally! I think if you say what books did you connect with most??! The Rainmaker and The Executioner. which books do you have more family mentioned .. more characters introduced??! The Gunman, The Prodigal and The Silencer. Not saying that 1 & 2 ... do not show parents and other characters ...but those others seem to be WAY MORE BUSY. I will say I went in thinking ... it was going to be more gritty ... that is a word I would describe a lot of books I have read in the past ... if you enjoy grit ... maybe The Gunman and The Silencer will have the most GRIT. cuss word ...is that what you are looking for (not me) but those are in all 6. When you read the disclaimer ... u see

"***READER NOTE***
***This is the sixth and final book of this 6-part emotional family saga series. You have followed the Creed family and gotten each brother’s love story. You also finally know what happened to Claire—it’s time to hear it in her own words.
***Due to violence, graphic content, and potential triggers, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. Please read with care.
***Also, please take note that The Dove is NOT a standalone novella. It is NOT a romance and it does NOT have a traditional happy ever after ending.

I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

It also contains HUGE spoilers for anyone who has not already read the series. So, if you haven’t read the first five books . . .
STOP!
Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. Go do that first. I’ll wait for you here.
I promise it’s worth it.
Here they are in order:
The Executioner (Asher Creed)
The Rainmaker (Levi Creed)
The Gunman (Jamison Creed)
The Prodigal (Joshua Creed)
The Silencer (Silas Creed)
If you have read all of these, well, then you’re ready for Claire’s story.
Buckle your seatbelts, kids. It’s about to get emotional."

and I would agree sort of. what of the book is the most dark ... The Executioner or The Gunman. But i guess a few others have pieces of that? I guess for me ... when I read the novella that last book I wanted a bang to end it all ... kind of like Game of Thrones ... u have the build up and it keeps building up and then it falls ... not that it doesn't end ...but u know ... or at least i think u know??! no spoilers .. nope. not going to do it. I would say I went into this series thinking it was going to be a really rough and tough series to read ... I have really read some gritty rough and tough language kind of reads and don't get me wrong there are tons of cuss words throughout ... could totally be swore ... i think the words are throughout ...but on a norm ...is is not the grit-est book series i have read ... could have been a heck of a lot worse. There are bits and pieces throughout the books about Claire ...I think it is a series you totally need to read each and every book .. I prefer series like that over any other ... if you are going to put in the effort to really get to know an author if that author is new to you kind of situation ...but don't get me wrong i also enjoy a author who does standalones read too . .. u gotta love what you love. i get why authors do standalones. There is a lot of texting between the brothers ...which makes it seem very realistic or present day logic. I think the parents are kind of a backstory ...they are not the front story, if that makes sense. like you see more of the parents in book 1 & 2. and for some reason Silas is in several of the books where the other brothers keep a more when u need to know u know kind of basics??! I think a lot of what is confusing can or could be the changing of names ... like sometimes they use real names, or nicknames ...u gotta grab onto that keep it in the memory bank for sure. I think Levi acts the oldest ...the others act more young??! if that is even a thing??! I think in the Prodigal book you get more family ...interacting and such??! Lots more news (major details, keep ur nose clean and eyes open!!) in Prodigal than the others??! but at times I did get a bit confused over the names ... Eden is there a lot .. was she seen like in most of the books ... trying to jog my memory??! am I glad I read this series, HECK YEAH!! well done ... u will feel the emotions ... well bad, good, or what?? or OH MY GOODNESS. I am curious which book the author wrote 1st? like did she start at the end or what ... working out that plan??!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most emotional stories I have ever read. It is short and to the point giving you the information to the last days of her life but doesn’t go into graphic details, you know what happened but it is done with class and should not trigger anything. A touching and very emotional without seeing all she went through. If tears do not drop from your eyes they will be there on the edge. This is Clair’s story it is sad, touching and very emotional. I really wanted to go in and protect her knowing what she was about to go through. She is a true Creed through and through, strong, kind and a fighter. I want to say it is a great ending to a very emotional series, that that just sounds cold and doesn’t give true meaning this series and Clair deserves. Her character became real to me, she was alive, and breathing, I felt her pain and moron her loss. Little Dove fly high and free know that you touched me is so many ways that you won’t be forgotten.

[Lynn Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Claire Creed was the youngest sibling and only girl. Hers is a story of what not to do. She also had me thinking of a young girl, in my area of the country that could have been Claire. Her story puts a period to what the author has been building from the beginning of this series.

This book also builds on the anticipation that has been slowly building. The author lets you know at the beginning that there’s no HEA. If that’s the only reason for picking a book than you don’t know what you’re missing – especially if you’ve read the series. I can’t say it’s the perfect ending but it fits the series. It’s a great excuse, even though you don’t really need one, to get to know her brothers.

I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Jennifer Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dove by Shauna Allen is an emotional and fantastic book! I couldn’t put my kindle down! This is the 6th book in the Family Creed series. You have to read the 1st five books in the series.
The Dove by Shauna Allen tells what happen to Claire Creed and how she died that fateful day when she disappeared. It begins when Claire and Eden go swimming and then Eden goes home. Claire starts walking home when a truck just like her boyfriend’s Hunter stops and picks her up. Will Claire make it home safe? You will have to read The Dove to find out!
The Dove by Shauna Allen made me so emotional and I cried at the ending. Make sure to grab a copy of The Dove to read the conclusion to The Family Creed Series. You won’t be disappointed.

[Miriam Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final chapter!

I was impressed with this authors writing since the first book and now at the last book I can honestly say I've never read a more perfect book. This book helps us understand who Claire is and who she became after a monster took her from her family. I thought I was going to read a hard book but it wonderful, it's full of love and all the hopes and dreams as well as the peace she receives at the end. If you haven read this series you should I'm certain I will never read anything this good again.

[Shelly Wygant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the Family Creed series. It is a short novella but will tie up some loose ends. You do need to read the other books in the series first.

I was scared to read this book. First it was the ending to the Creed family and second I know it would be tough since it was about the disappearance of Claire. Ms. Allen did a great job of giving details but now too many details that is was dark. After reading I gave a sigh for Claire. It gave me closure. Beautiful story and ending to a great family

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally, I wouldn't give any novella this short a perfect rating, but the fabulous Shauna Allen wrapped this series up with a painful yet, beautiful bow in The Dove. She has said all over it to not start here without reading in order, The Executioner (Book 1), The Rainmaker (Book 2), The Gunman (Book 3), The Prodigal (Book 4), and The Silencer (Book 5), so DO NOT! This is what happened to Claire from Claire's POV, and it's mean & heartbreaking, but beautiful in the end once you get past her ending, so I cried big ugly tears. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Crystal Yawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

For 5 books we learn who Clare is as her disappearance unfolds. We learn how loved she is and how her 10 years of missing effected her family. In the Dove we learn what happened 10 years ago. It wraps up the Creed series by giving us all the answers. The Dove is a different style book that leaves you without a romance but with a different type of ending. It fulfills a missing part of the mystery. The story is very short and can be read in about 30 minutes to an hour.

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 BEAUTIFUL DOVE STARS!! Wow, what a way to finish this fantastic page turning series. I loved learning Claire's side of the story. This one is a short emotional story, but beautifully written. You will need to read all the other books in this series before this book and fall in love with the Creeds. Shauna Allen has brought these characters to life, you will feel like they are family.

[Ann Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

I've just finished this series. I didn't leave reviews after every book , I was too anxious to get to the next one. They are so good & keeps you on the edge! I was almost afraid every time something good happened what wound be next. So real feeling. Like real life. You have to read these books.. All of them .. 100 stars not enough for this author! Thank you!!!!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

How it happened

FIRST ONLY READ THIS REVIEW AND BOOK it you have READ CLAIRE'S FIVE BROTHERS FIRST. This is what happened to Claire on that fateful day. The joy she had for her family, the love of her friend and her boyfriend. We feel it all, we feel her pain as she realizes her fate.

[evieo17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

You must read the series in order so that you can understand the importance of what happens to Claire’s family and how they coped with her disappearance. This book was a hard read. It is a short read but it has a big impact. It’s raw and ugly but you also get to see Claire’s love for her family and friends.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading all of Claire's brothers stories, we get to see what happened. We know the pain the family went through we know the basic idea of what happened, but we learn the true story through the Claire.

[Terry Hammoutene · Rating 4 out of 5]

First if you didn't read the other books in this series you will have no idea what the meaning behind this book is.
It is a very short story that explains all the questions that come with reading the other books. It really closes the series out and leaves you satisfied

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the conclusion of this heart wrenching family saga. And Claire's story in her own words. We find out exactly what horrors she faced. But I loved how it ends. Coming full circle and bringing tears to my eyes. This is one series I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

[Linda Rimer-Como · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting end to an incredible series that was full of heartache, hope, strong family bonds and love that never dies. You laugh and cry as one family searches for answers to an unspeakable act. Loved this series as Claire is finally at peace!!

[Marion Scutts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well unfortunately this series has come to the end with this book. This is such a sad one but it is Claire's side of the story. It explains all that happened and more. All I can say is read this series, you will definitely not want to put the books down yet you dont want the series to end.

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great end to the series .

What an emotional journey. New to this author and so glad I found this series.
The story leading to this end with Claire was so full of emotion. A must read series .

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting end

This book is the emotional conclusion to the Creed series. Not traditional, but compelling.

Loved the entire series and this book was Claire's story.

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a bittersweet ending.

We finally get Claire's story, and it is every bit as heartbreaking as you think. But it gives us closure to a wonderful heartfelt series.

[LORRIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heartbreaking and sad look at Claire's life. Thankfully she did have and know happiness.
The ending was beautiful.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the whole series and loved it, what a roller coaster ride, definitely recommend,

[Ele Scofield · Rating 4 out of 5]

With just 34 pages the author managed to make me bawl like a baby. This whole series was such a surprise and I absolutely got sucked right into it and it's such a bittersweet moment that it ended.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do Not Read these Books out of order!!
This is Claire's story of the events surrounding her disappearance. It’s full of poignancy and brings the series to its conclusion. We read about everything from her perspective, even though we as the reader already know the end, and to see what she goes through, and how she was feeling. It’s all so sad and very emotional, so have the tissues handy. A fitting end.
I’m now really looking forward to reading about Hunter, Claire’s boyfriend at the time of her disappearance. His story needs told to bring everything to a full circle…..

[Missisaunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dove

I am finally at the end of the series. What a ride. I’m shook. I was so torn up over the last two books. This is one series you have to read. I couldn’t stop.