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When a Stranger Comes
Would you be willing to make a deal with the devil to have your hopes and dreams come true?
Witnessing a lightning bolt on a sunny day, author Alexa Wainwright doesn't realize she's been transported to an alternate universe. Here, she meets media mogul and publisher King Blakemore who offers her a lucrative book contract that will guarantee her comeback.
This publisher seems odd. This book deal is too good. Suddenly, the contract's been signed. Now what can she do?
Desperate to get her life back, Alexa devises schemes to untether herself from this hellish existence but to no avail. Can Alexa find her way out of this nightmare?
Witnessing a lightning bolt on a sunny day, author Alexa Wainwright doesn't realize she's been transported to an alternate universe. Here, she meets media mogul and publisher King Blakemore who offers her a lucrative book contract that will guarantee her comeback.
This publisher seems odd. This book deal is too good. Suddenly, the contract's been signed. Now what can she do?
Desperate to get her life back, Alexa devises schemes to untether herself from this hellish existence but to no avail. Can Alexa find her way out of this nightmare?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2017
49 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Karen S. Bell
8 books188 followersKaren S. Bell continues to be in awe of the magical and wondrous phenomenon called life. As an observer and obvious participant in feminine values and approach to our human challenges, she brings this perspective to her work. Fascinated by the mysteries of the unseen forces that perhaps play a role in guiding our choices, she continues to search for answers in the mundane as well as in the cosmic forces that surround us. She is working on her third novel and lives in Ponte Vedra, Fl. with her husband and their two furry kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 11, 2018
Writers enjoy having the power of God over their characters, but what if they also attract the forces of the devil? What if the power of life and death in a fiction translates into a ‘real’ existence, if some elements of the authors omnipresence on the page slips into physical life? The book is very much paranormal, some of a magical realism bend and some with a quasi-religious one. Through excepting the premise that many good versus evil, religious/paranormal boundaries collide in mystical ways one can enjoy the book. Most of us have little trouble suspending belief to enjoy a good yarn. I preferred to read this is the imagined world of a psychotic personality in total meltdown. This was easy given that the book is written in first person. I enjoyed this as a false reality from which we are supposed to hope the character voice, Alexa, will escape. I was a bit underwhelmed by the lengths Bell went to in exploring the threads of the story as it drew to the end, as for me the detail rather reduced the power of resolution. Climatic events, both in life and books, are best enjoyed without distracting reflections on the rationality of the mechanics.
This book is well written, describing Alexa’s world in a way that easily paints strong scenes in one’s mind. As a writer, I can appreciate the mind games as Alexa the well-established, if quite famous, author, struggles to complete her trilogy. Some of the other characters, especially Margaret, her book editor, are very well-rounded. I may have enjoyed the book more with a few chapters written from the mind of Margaret, watching the mental breakdown of her number one selling author.
This is the second book of Bell’s I have read. She is a very gifted writer who might achieve greater success with psychological thrillers without the distraction of paranormal elements. Provided, of course, she could find the discipline of scripting her stories without occasionally falling for the convenient escapes of the unrestrained supernatural.
It should be obvious that I enjoyed this book more for the qualities of Bell’s descriptive writing than the story it tells. However, I am sure that those that relish the buy-in to the paranormal will find this to be a great read. There are plenty of original elements as well as standard themes of the paranormal and mystical realism genres. We have here a, ‘watch what you wish for’ morality tale. The allegorical foundations of the theme resonate throughout. The four stars rather than five isn’t a devaluation of the Bell’s work. Rather, it reflects my view that this book, despite all its qualities, didn’t do talent full justice.
This book is well written, describing Alexa’s world in a way that easily paints strong scenes in one’s mind. As a writer, I can appreciate the mind games as Alexa the well-established, if quite famous, author, struggles to complete her trilogy. Some of the other characters, especially Margaret, her book editor, are very well-rounded. I may have enjoyed the book more with a few chapters written from the mind of Margaret, watching the mental breakdown of her number one selling author.
This is the second book of Bell’s I have read. She is a very gifted writer who might achieve greater success with psychological thrillers without the distraction of paranormal elements. Provided, of course, she could find the discipline of scripting her stories without occasionally falling for the convenient escapes of the unrestrained supernatural.
It should be obvious that I enjoyed this book more for the qualities of Bell’s descriptive writing than the story it tells. However, I am sure that those that relish the buy-in to the paranormal will find this to be a great read. There are plenty of original elements as well as standard themes of the paranormal and mystical realism genres. We have here a, ‘watch what you wish for’ morality tale. The allegorical foundations of the theme resonate throughout. The four stars rather than five isn’t a devaluation of the Bell’s work. Rather, it reflects my view that this book, despite all its qualities, didn’t do talent full justice.
February 5, 2018
When a stranger comes by karen s bell.
Alexa Wainwright is a writer. She has just finished her 10th book which is the 3rd in a trilogy when she gets a deal from king blakemore. She signs with his publishing firm for a movie deal of her trilogy. Has she just signed a deal with the devil himself? She is aided by an angel evangelica. She is on her side to protect her. Can she discover a loophole and get out of the pact she has made with king?
A fantastic read. Bit slow to start with. Then bam couldn't put it down. I was rooting for alexa. 4*.
Alexa Wainwright is a writer. She has just finished her 10th book which is the 3rd in a trilogy when she gets a deal from king blakemore. She signs with his publishing firm for a movie deal of her trilogy. Has she just signed a deal with the devil himself? She is aided by an angel evangelica. She is on her side to protect her. Can she discover a loophole and get out of the pact she has made with king?
A fantastic read. Bit slow to start with. Then bam couldn't put it down. I was rooting for alexa. 4*.
February 5, 2018
When a stranger comes by karen s bell.
Alexa Wainwright is a writer. She has just finished her 10th book which is the 3rd in a trilogy when she gets a deal from king blakemore. She signs with his publishing firm for a movie deal of her trilogy. Has she just signed a deal with the devil himself? She is aided by an angel evangelica. She is on her side to protect her. Can she discover a loophole and get out of the pact she has made with king?
A fantastic read. Bit slow to start with. Then bam couldn't put it down. I was rooting for alexa. 4*.
Alexa Wainwright is a writer. She has just finished her 10th book which is the 3rd in a trilogy when she gets a deal from king blakemore. She signs with his publishing firm for a movie deal of her trilogy. Has she just signed a deal with the devil himself? She is aided by an angel evangelica. She is on her side to protect her. Can she discover a loophole and get out of the pact she has made with king?
A fantastic read. Bit slow to start with. Then bam couldn't put it down. I was rooting for alexa. 4*.
April 13, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A writer's life reflects her work and vice versa, in a sort of magical realism type thing.
Didn't hit me.
A writer's life reflects her work and vice versa, in a sort of magical realism type thing.
Didn't hit me.
March 4, 2018
Imagine yourself a successful, published author. You have had at least one book that soared to the top and you liked the feeling of being number one. Money is no longer a problem; you have an upper-class lifestyle that includes people who work for you so that you don’t have to do routine stuff. Others buy and prepare food, make appointments, and plan your daily schedule. There are not many helpers and you don’t want many. Margaret is one important helper acting as both an agent and a close friend. Your lawyer plays an important legal role but is also a friend. Your editor is your fiercest critic but is also a friend; she criticizes your writing, not you. Other people are not important, and you prefer the company of self. Your only need is to write another best-selling novel. The muse is arriving less frequently these days. One day Margaret arrives with the muse in human form, Alex. He is perfect.
When a Stranger Comes … by Karen S. Bell begins with a conflicted author. This entire novel will appeal to the budding novice writer, perhaps even to more polished veteran writers. Alexa’s angst over rewrites, the state of the publishing industry, and her vow never to descend to the level of offering her works for free will resonate with present-day indie authors. For this novel. Alex will supply the needed inspiration for Alexa’s next novel. Alexa (notice the name play) is initially annoyed. She didn’t ask Margaret to bring anyone for a visit. She retreated to a bedroom but reemerged naked to find only Alex, no Margaret. How annoying! This is almost, but not quite, how the novel begins with chapter one. There is a violent prologue with a stark description of physical violence toward Jodie in a prologue but that doesn’t seem to include Alexa, so the reader doesn’t care for the moment. It will interest many to see how this foreshadowing of violence ties into the story of Alexa.
In the immediate present, the reader wants to know what the near naked Alexa is going to do with the Adonis-like figure of Alex, a person present in her living room. A first, vague feeling of something wrong, confronts the reader. Alex is perfect physically and has a perfect personality that meshes completely and satisfies Alexa. And then there is the sex which, although perfect and incessant, is described in very modest, non-offensive language. The problem (there must be one) is that Alex looks and acts exactly like the protagonist of one of Alexa’s novels. Cue the scary music, but at a low level.
Alex is there to present an opportunity for Alexa to work for his boss, King. As the name implies, King is a nearly omnipotent businessman occupying many fields, one of which is book publishing. Alexa’s writing has attracted King’s attention. Alex is one of King’s agents employed to convince Alexa to join Trinity Publishing. Alex will be as accommodating as possible toward Alexa and give her his personal attention to influence her to sign with King. Eventually, there will be meetings with King. There will be lavish parties during which Alexa worries a bit about losing control over anything she might do. But Alex is there for her protection, nothing bad can happen. Alexa is surprised, however, by the fact that she seems to have signed a contract during one of these parties, a contract that sounds good but gives Trinity Publishing, and King, virtually one hundred percent control over her creative life. In return, she has assurances that she will be a success, that everything she does will receive unbelievably high rewards. Does this sound like a deal with the devil?
As the reader encounters even odder situations, it seems that the Devil may have an active presence in this agreement. First, there is Trinity Publishing, the “trinity” is given in a shorthand, “666.” Alexa also notes that everyone she meets from King’s enterprises mirrors a character in one of her novels. Some are so similar physically that Alexa is shocked, others have personalities that could have been lifted from her novels. Even their physical appearances serve to suggest and support characters from her books. Alexa had been warned not to sign a contract without advice from her lawyer; he had mentioned there were some provisions that needed clarification. But he had died in an accident before she could discuss the advice and now the contract was signed. Alexa’s sense of creepiness caused her to attempt to get out of the contract. She discovered the contract was ironclad, breaking the contract would result in her financial ruin. She felt she had been tricked. But there was Alex and she felt good enough to go with the flow for a while. She could at least wait until she contacted her close friend Margaret. But Margaret also died in a very freakish accident. Alexa was on her own.
Then a series of odd events begins. As if the similarity of appearance to her novel’s characters wasn’t bad enough, she found herself physically manipulated, and not just by Alex. There was an invitation to a party on King’s island that appeared to be more an order than an invitation. Arriving at the island, she found there were places she could not go. When she tried to explore a nearby village, she was almost attacked and then warned never to go to the village again. No explanations. There were things she saw and heard such as occasional screams in the night. No explanations. The house where she was virtually confined, although luxurious, had secrets. Sometimes the house would reveal some secrets. Walls and a basement would appear and reappear. No explanations. The basement strongly resembled the basement of her childhood, complete with toys and clothing from her youth. Was this a drug trip or something more sinister?
It is the careful layering of strange and creepy events that led me to give this five Amazon stars. There is an interesting psychological component in which some of the look-alike characters try to explain to Alexa why she thinks so many characters look like those in her novel. There is the third element, one in which the Devil, or evil, is an active player in our everyday lives. The language describing the sexual component, necessary for Alexa’s initial entrapment, is not graphically offensive. This is an entertaining novel with big surprises in the final few chapters. The reader interprets what the final ending is. Bell provides incidents that have consequences, but it is up to the reader to determine what might be true and what can’t be true.
This novel sells on Amazon for USD 2.99 but I read it for free on Kindle Unlimited. It was a find that made KU worth the subscription price.
One of my favorite types of novels, I don’t consider this a genre, is a novel written by an author writing about being an author. This is one of those and it is only after reading the final chapter that I highly recommended it. Before the final chapter, the novel is superior. Giving the reader a part to play interpreting information to form an ending satisfactory to the reader makes it superior “plus.”
When a Stranger Comes … by Karen S. Bell begins with a conflicted author. This entire novel will appeal to the budding novice writer, perhaps even to more polished veteran writers. Alexa’s angst over rewrites, the state of the publishing industry, and her vow never to descend to the level of offering her works for free will resonate with present-day indie authors. For this novel. Alex will supply the needed inspiration for Alexa’s next novel. Alexa (notice the name play) is initially annoyed. She didn’t ask Margaret to bring anyone for a visit. She retreated to a bedroom but reemerged naked to find only Alex, no Margaret. How annoying! This is almost, but not quite, how the novel begins with chapter one. There is a violent prologue with a stark description of physical violence toward Jodie in a prologue but that doesn’t seem to include Alexa, so the reader doesn’t care for the moment. It will interest many to see how this foreshadowing of violence ties into the story of Alexa.
In the immediate present, the reader wants to know what the near naked Alexa is going to do with the Adonis-like figure of Alex, a person present in her living room. A first, vague feeling of something wrong, confronts the reader. Alex is perfect physically and has a perfect personality that meshes completely and satisfies Alexa. And then there is the sex which, although perfect and incessant, is described in very modest, non-offensive language. The problem (there must be one) is that Alex looks and acts exactly like the protagonist of one of Alexa’s novels. Cue the scary music, but at a low level.
Alex is there to present an opportunity for Alexa to work for his boss, King. As the name implies, King is a nearly omnipotent businessman occupying many fields, one of which is book publishing. Alexa’s writing has attracted King’s attention. Alex is one of King’s agents employed to convince Alexa to join Trinity Publishing. Alex will be as accommodating as possible toward Alexa and give her his personal attention to influence her to sign with King. Eventually, there will be meetings with King. There will be lavish parties during which Alexa worries a bit about losing control over anything she might do. But Alex is there for her protection, nothing bad can happen. Alexa is surprised, however, by the fact that she seems to have signed a contract during one of these parties, a contract that sounds good but gives Trinity Publishing, and King, virtually one hundred percent control over her creative life. In return, she has assurances that she will be a success, that everything she does will receive unbelievably high rewards. Does this sound like a deal with the devil?
As the reader encounters even odder situations, it seems that the Devil may have an active presence in this agreement. First, there is Trinity Publishing, the “trinity” is given in a shorthand, “666.” Alexa also notes that everyone she meets from King’s enterprises mirrors a character in one of her novels. Some are so similar physically that Alexa is shocked, others have personalities that could have been lifted from her novels. Even their physical appearances serve to suggest and support characters from her books. Alexa had been warned not to sign a contract without advice from her lawyer; he had mentioned there were some provisions that needed clarification. But he had died in an accident before she could discuss the advice and now the contract was signed. Alexa’s sense of creepiness caused her to attempt to get out of the contract. She discovered the contract was ironclad, breaking the contract would result in her financial ruin. She felt she had been tricked. But there was Alex and she felt good enough to go with the flow for a while. She could at least wait until she contacted her close friend Margaret. But Margaret also died in a very freakish accident. Alexa was on her own.
Then a series of odd events begins. As if the similarity of appearance to her novel’s characters wasn’t bad enough, she found herself physically manipulated, and not just by Alex. There was an invitation to a party on King’s island that appeared to be more an order than an invitation. Arriving at the island, she found there were places she could not go. When she tried to explore a nearby village, she was almost attacked and then warned never to go to the village again. No explanations. There were things she saw and heard such as occasional screams in the night. No explanations. The house where she was virtually confined, although luxurious, had secrets. Sometimes the house would reveal some secrets. Walls and a basement would appear and reappear. No explanations. The basement strongly resembled the basement of her childhood, complete with toys and clothing from her youth. Was this a drug trip or something more sinister?
It is the careful layering of strange and creepy events that led me to give this five Amazon stars. There is an interesting psychological component in which some of the look-alike characters try to explain to Alexa why she thinks so many characters look like those in her novel. There is the third element, one in which the Devil, or evil, is an active player in our everyday lives. The language describing the sexual component, necessary for Alexa’s initial entrapment, is not graphically offensive. This is an entertaining novel with big surprises in the final few chapters. The reader interprets what the final ending is. Bell provides incidents that have consequences, but it is up to the reader to determine what might be true and what can’t be true.
This novel sells on Amazon for USD 2.99 but I read it for free on Kindle Unlimited. It was a find that made KU worth the subscription price.
One of my favorite types of novels, I don’t consider this a genre, is a novel written by an author writing about being an author. This is one of those and it is only after reading the final chapter that I highly recommended it. Before the final chapter, the novel is superior. Giving the reader a part to play interpreting information to form an ending satisfactory to the reader makes it superior “plus.”
October 20, 2017
Title: When a Stranger Comes
Author: Karen S. Bell
Publisher: K.S.B.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"When a Stranger Comes" by Karen S. Bell
My Thoughts....
All I will say is that this author really knows how to keep the reader in suspense in this 'magical realism, paranormal and supernatural read. It was quite interesting seeing Alexa Wainwright born [Gladys Lipschitz] as she 'soared to the number one bestsellers list and became an international sensation.'
What will Alexa have to do remain on high as 'she vows to do whatever it takes to attain the heady ego-stroking success of her debut? ' Now this is where this story will take a switch as the character Alexa realizes that 'this vow will be tested as she's magically transported to a alternate reality.'
I liked how this author was able to present such a unique magic, paranormal and supernatural read that will keep you on pins and needles taking this read all in. The characters were all so well developed, portrayed and delivered to the reader. There are a lots of questions that are needed to be answered .... such as ..how will Alexa make it in this world that is so full of loopholes [especially after 'she finds herself in this iron-clad book contract that even changes its wording on her novels?' All of this happens after she becomes involved with the publisher King Blakemore... signing a contract Alexa doesn't even remember and why were the people Alexa meets seemed to come right from her novels? How and why was King Blakemore able to do all the things he was doing to Alexa? What was Evangelina and Kips play in all of this so important to this read? Who was in the tale that was truly a big help to Alexa in understanding her background and why was this so very important in this read? What will happen as Alexa finds herself into a situation she sees no way out of? What all will come of this reveal as Alexa gets 'a second chance to save herself from eternity with Blakemore and be free?' Now, to finds all of the answers to these questions and so much more in this well written story you will just have to pick up and read "When a Stranger Comes" and see how it is presented and comes out.
In the end after being given a second chance will Alexa to get it right this time will she be able to make a more a more sensible choice or will she make the same mistake again by going after the money? Well, as this story end at least Alexa has someone new in her life...her dog Trinity who definitely seems to care for her especially after coming back to reality[or was it?] and also having her mom and Margaret back in her life after all is said and done. What was now going on with Alexa's publishing company that had been sold to Blakemore Media head by CEO King Blakemore and the email that was sent saying "Enjoy your second chance. Make wise choices in this rewrite of your life, milaya moyna." Will Alexa be done with her 'Darkside Trilogy?' Again, to know what this story is all about you will have to pick up "When a Stranger Comes" and would definitely recommend as a good read.
To the author....Thank you for the privilege of reading your novel and giving my honest review of it.
Author: Karen S. Bell
Publisher: K.S.B.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"When a Stranger Comes" by Karen S. Bell
My Thoughts....
All I will say is that this author really knows how to keep the reader in suspense in this 'magical realism, paranormal and supernatural read. It was quite interesting seeing Alexa Wainwright born [Gladys Lipschitz] as she 'soared to the number one bestsellers list and became an international sensation.'
What will Alexa have to do remain on high as 'she vows to do whatever it takes to attain the heady ego-stroking success of her debut? ' Now this is where this story will take a switch as the character Alexa realizes that 'this vow will be tested as she's magically transported to a alternate reality.'
I liked how this author was able to present such a unique magic, paranormal and supernatural read that will keep you on pins and needles taking this read all in. The characters were all so well developed, portrayed and delivered to the reader. There are a lots of questions that are needed to be answered .... such as ..how will Alexa make it in this world that is so full of loopholes [especially after 'she finds herself in this iron-clad book contract that even changes its wording on her novels?' All of this happens after she becomes involved with the publisher King Blakemore... signing a contract Alexa doesn't even remember and why were the people Alexa meets seemed to come right from her novels? How and why was King Blakemore able to do all the things he was doing to Alexa? What was Evangelina and Kips play in all of this so important to this read? Who was in the tale that was truly a big help to Alexa in understanding her background and why was this so very important in this read? What will happen as Alexa finds herself into a situation she sees no way out of? What all will come of this reveal as Alexa gets 'a second chance to save herself from eternity with Blakemore and be free?' Now, to finds all of the answers to these questions and so much more in this well written story you will just have to pick up and read "When a Stranger Comes" and see how it is presented and comes out.
In the end after being given a second chance will Alexa to get it right this time will she be able to make a more a more sensible choice or will she make the same mistake again by going after the money? Well, as this story end at least Alexa has someone new in her life...her dog Trinity who definitely seems to care for her especially after coming back to reality[or was it?] and also having her mom and Margaret back in her life after all is said and done. What was now going on with Alexa's publishing company that had been sold to Blakemore Media head by CEO King Blakemore and the email that was sent saying "Enjoy your second chance. Make wise choices in this rewrite of your life, milaya moyna." Will Alexa be done with her 'Darkside Trilogy?' Again, to know what this story is all about you will have to pick up "When a Stranger Comes" and would definitely recommend as a good read.
To the author....Thank you for the privilege of reading your novel and giving my honest review of it.
February 22, 2018
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
Reading this book it becomes frightful to be an author, wishing for all the wealth that comes with that. The power of words and thoughts becomes very real for the main character of the book and soon she realized that she is living in a world created by herself.
This original story really touches a lot of important issues in life and where the priorities for most lies. Sometimes we have to be careful what we hope and wish for because it can be more than we thought initially and the implications to that can play havoc in our lives. In an instant everything you hold dear changes and there is no pint of return to the old.
A meaningful story with a deeper message.
The author's writing was at times tiresome. There are simply to much descriptions in that draws out the story but yet well written.
The main character, Alexa Wainwright were a constant budding experience that took you at a roller coaster ride as you explore her ever changing world. She is very much self absorbed until her reality changes so much that she had to fight for her mere existence.
It is tense, filed with suspense and thought provoking.
Reading this book it becomes frightful to be an author, wishing for all the wealth that comes with that. The power of words and thoughts becomes very real for the main character of the book and soon she realized that she is living in a world created by herself.
This original story really touches a lot of important issues in life and where the priorities for most lies. Sometimes we have to be careful what we hope and wish for because it can be more than we thought initially and the implications to that can play havoc in our lives. In an instant everything you hold dear changes and there is no pint of return to the old.
A meaningful story with a deeper message.
The author's writing was at times tiresome. There are simply to much descriptions in that draws out the story but yet well written.
The main character, Alexa Wainwright were a constant budding experience that took you at a roller coaster ride as you explore her ever changing world. She is very much self absorbed until her reality changes so much that she had to fight for her mere existence.
It is tense, filed with suspense and thought provoking.
January 18, 2021
What a great book!
When a Stranger Comes is an excellent read for mystery/psychological thriller lovers. I loved this book.
The storyline is so interestingly written and twisted it was hard for me to put down the book. The plot is not your ordinary one, it is innovative and intriguing and the writing itself is superb.
The main character, Alexa, a writer who is presented with a deal of a lifetime realized that the deal is not as sweet as it sounds. The way she deals with this new reality is incredibly interesting. Also, King Blakemore is one well-developed and compelling character. I liked the pinch of the supernatural in this story.
Overall, I can say When a Stranger Comes is a well-written book with interesting characters and a gripping story. I enjoyed it a LOT!
I recommend it a 100%
Julie
BooksShelf Reviewer
When a Stranger Comes is an excellent read for mystery/psychological thriller lovers. I loved this book.
The storyline is so interestingly written and twisted it was hard for me to put down the book. The plot is not your ordinary one, it is innovative and intriguing and the writing itself is superb.
The main character, Alexa, a writer who is presented with a deal of a lifetime realized that the deal is not as sweet as it sounds. The way she deals with this new reality is incredibly interesting. Also, King Blakemore is one well-developed and compelling character. I liked the pinch of the supernatural in this story.
Overall, I can say When a Stranger Comes is a well-written book with interesting characters and a gripping story. I enjoyed it a LOT!
I recommend it a 100%
Julie
BooksShelf Reviewer
January 29, 2018
The plot flowed nicely and the mystery kept me guessing and flipping pages. Overall a great suspense.
What a clever story with a wonderful balance of fantasy and suspense.
Karen S. Bell has created a novel in which the main character shows growth. For me that is always something I look for in my favorite main characters. I liked flawed characters and if they can overcome things, it really speaks to me.
This was a quick read for me. I felt like the words and plot just flowed long effortlessly. I found myself flipping page after page, laughing, and guessing the whole time.
What a clever story with a wonderful balance of fantasy and suspense.
Karen S. Bell has created a novel in which the main character shows growth. For me that is always something I look for in my favorite main characters. I liked flawed characters and if they can overcome things, it really speaks to me.
This was a quick read for me. I felt like the words and plot just flowed long effortlessly. I found myself flipping page after page, laughing, and guessing the whole time.
January 24, 2018
Such a large cast of characters, but I felt like I got to know all of the main ones very well.
I liked how this Fantasy novel managed to be fresh and exciting and wasn't too overly predictable. I saw a few things coming, but was definitely surprised at points too.
Definitely a lot of action going on that will have readers flipping pages furiously.
I liked how this Fantasy novel managed to be fresh and exciting and wasn't too overly predictable. I saw a few things coming, but was definitely surprised at points too.
Definitely a lot of action going on that will have readers flipping pages furiously.
January 31, 2018
I liked the diversity and originality of this novel. You think that you are going to know what you're getting, but Bell really manages to surprise her readers.
I really enjoyed the pacing and how it was steady throughout. It is fast paced and doesn't let up and didn't have moments that dragged. It made for a fast and furious read.
I really enjoyed the pacing and how it was steady throughout. It is fast paced and doesn't let up and didn't have moments that dragged. It made for a fast and furious read.
January 31, 2018
Karen S. Bell has written an imaginative and descriptive novel that does a great job of pulling the reader into the world she has created.
The flow of the novel was well executed and everything as far as pacing went felt smooth.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters both primary and secondary. They all felt like they had their own purpose and had depth that made me care about them.
The flow of the novel was well executed and everything as far as pacing went felt smooth.
I enjoyed getting to know the characters both primary and secondary. They all felt like they had their own purpose and had depth that made me care about them.
February 9, 2018
Goodreads Kindle Win
A writer finds herself in a midst of reality and fiction as she signs a new writing contract. Sh heo save is quickly thrown into a world of evil as she must fight to save herself or be entrapped by eveything.
The author takes you on a wild ride full of imagination as you question what is real or make believe. Full of suspense and drama.
A writer finds herself in a midst of reality and fiction as she signs a new writing contract. Sh heo save is quickly thrown into a world of evil as she must fight to save herself or be entrapped by eveything.
The author takes you on a wild ride full of imagination as you question what is real or make believe. Full of suspense and drama.
January 26, 2018
This novel has a very mysterious element to it. This was an unexpected read for me. The synopsis was intriguing, but I sure wasn’t sure exactly what kind of world I would be taken in. Karen S. Bell manages to draw the reader in from the very beginning.
Even from the synopsis you are not sure what you are going to get. I would like to say that Bell does a great job of bringing to life her characters. These characters each have their own personalities and depth to them. None of them felt one-dimensional or forced, they all shined through as individuals.
Even from the synopsis you are not sure what you are going to get. I would like to say that Bell does a great job of bringing to life her characters. These characters each have their own personalities and depth to them. None of them felt one-dimensional or forced, they all shined through as individuals.
March 5, 2022
To all the new and aspiring authors out there - read this book! It may be classified as fiction, but if you really dive into it you'll find a deeper meaning, a message from Karen Bell to you. Even if you're not interested in writing, you'll find at least a handful of "golden nuggets" of wisdom in these pages.
March 1, 2018
I came ThisClose to quitting this book about a quarter of the way in. The writing is sophomoric, and the main character is unlikable. But ... stubborn me ... I continued to read til the end. Sadly, my opinion on the book did not improve.
December 2, 2017
Quite a different read from what I am used to. I did not expect this book to turn out like it did. I liked the book and hated to put it down. I needed to find out what was going on in the story and try to understand Alexa's story.
I have to say that in the beginning I wasn't sure if this was a book I would like or not. The prologue was good, and drew me in, but the first chapter made me question the rest of the book. Wow, was I wrong. After I got through the first page of the first paragraph, I was really drawn in and wanted to hurry up and read the book to find out what was going on.
An author who is writing a trilogy and has just finished the third book in the trilogy when things go awry for her. Alexa's reality comes into question after she receives a phone call from her copy editor and friend Margaret. Is Alexa dreaming, is she writing a new story, or is this her new reality? Who is real and who is a figment of imagination?These are all questions that were going through my mind while reading this book.
A story full of angst, mind games, and questions of reality. If you enjoy a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, once you get into it, then you really need to read "When A Stranger Comes". I give this book a 4.5 star review.
I have to say that in the beginning I wasn't sure if this was a book I would like or not. The prologue was good, and drew me in, but the first chapter made me question the rest of the book. Wow, was I wrong. After I got through the first page of the first paragraph, I was really drawn in and wanted to hurry up and read the book to find out what was going on.
An author who is writing a trilogy and has just finished the third book in the trilogy when things go awry for her. Alexa's reality comes into question after she receives a phone call from her copy editor and friend Margaret. Is Alexa dreaming, is she writing a new story, or is this her new reality? Who is real and who is a figment of imagination?These are all questions that were going through my mind while reading this book.
A story full of angst, mind games, and questions of reality. If you enjoy a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, once you get into it, then you really need to read "When A Stranger Comes". I give this book a 4.5 star review.
December 3, 2017
Alexa Wainwright also known as Gladys Lipschitz was an enjoyable character. I loved how she was a writer and how that part of her played such a large role in her character and in the story line itself. The idea of the King Blakemore was also interesting as well as how he interacted with Alexa. Overall, this was a unique story that I greatly enjoyed!
August 18, 2018
When a Stranger Comes by Karen Bell tells the story of writer Alexa Wainwright a writer who had massive success with her first novel. Since then she's struggled to write anything that comes close to that novel in content or success. As she stands looking out the window of her loft one day wishing to write another great novel she witnessed a bolt of lightening come out of a clear blue sky and hit the road in front of her. After that everything in her life takes on a strange quality and she fears she's in some alternate universe.
Alexa is relentlessly recruited by a company called Trinity of Sixes. They want to publish her books and option them for movies. Resisting she is invited to meet the owner of the company King Blakemore. After that things keep getting stranger.
I really enjoyed this book. I had absolutely no idea what was going on in Alexa's life. I didn't know what was true, what was a dream or what was a flat out hallucination. As a reader I was completely lost (in a good way) and always had about six competing theories going on in my own mind.
If you have read The Memory Box by Eva Lesko Natiello and liked it you'll love this novel. It has the same feel of being completely lost and off center without the manic qualities of that book. Although a totally different story it is a very similar psychological thriller in tone.
The story is really well written and flows well. Even when I read the truth of what was happening to Alexa I wasn't convinced it actually was the truth. The author manages to lead the reader along easily even while they're feeling completely off balance with the storyline. It's a very tricky thing to do and it is done exceptionally well in this novel.
The character development was exceptional too. The reader spends a lot of time in Alexa's mind and being there is a confusing and entertaining place to be. King reminded me of someone but I can't quite put my finger on who. All other characters were equally well developed.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book for those who like psychological thrillers that keep you off balance and guessing. If you read and liked The Memory Box you'll love this book. I offer one simple warning, make sure you have a few hours set aside before you pick it up because once you're hooked this book is very hard to put down.
Alexa is relentlessly recruited by a company called Trinity of Sixes. They want to publish her books and option them for movies. Resisting she is invited to meet the owner of the company King Blakemore. After that things keep getting stranger.
I really enjoyed this book. I had absolutely no idea what was going on in Alexa's life. I didn't know what was true, what was a dream or what was a flat out hallucination. As a reader I was completely lost (in a good way) and always had about six competing theories going on in my own mind.
If you have read The Memory Box by Eva Lesko Natiello and liked it you'll love this novel. It has the same feel of being completely lost and off center without the manic qualities of that book. Although a totally different story it is a very similar psychological thriller in tone.
The story is really well written and flows well. Even when I read the truth of what was happening to Alexa I wasn't convinced it actually was the truth. The author manages to lead the reader along easily even while they're feeling completely off balance with the storyline. It's a very tricky thing to do and it is done exceptionally well in this novel.
The character development was exceptional too. The reader spends a lot of time in Alexa's mind and being there is a confusing and entertaining place to be. King reminded me of someone but I can't quite put my finger on who. All other characters were equally well developed.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book for those who like psychological thrillers that keep you off balance and guessing. If you read and liked The Memory Box you'll love this book. I offer one simple warning, make sure you have a few hours set aside before you pick it up because once you're hooked this book is very hard to put down.
November 20, 2017
Don't think, until now, that I have ever read anything from this author but I do believe I will get more of her books! She has such an amazing way of story telling. Knows how to make you feel as if what you're reading is your life and your living each page. This book will keep you so intrigued and turning those pages!
March 8, 2024
First things first, I had this as an audio book.. and whoever (I'm thinking it's the author? I tried to find it and I'm almost positive) is reading/performing the book... Ruined it. It sounded like an AI was reading. If this book had been read by someone else I feel like I would have appreciated it more, I could not stand her voice or the way she switched for different characters. It was so bland, but then she would all of a sudden go full out cry mode when one of the characters was upset- it made me cringe.
The story itself was a great idea, the ending got a little bit weird and all over the place and felt a little bit off track at some point.
I'm not upset that I read it, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone I know, maybe it was the fact that the audiobook was performed so poorly though. Who knows!
The story itself was a great idea, the ending got a little bit weird and all over the place and felt a little bit off track at some point.
I'm not upset that I read it, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone I know, maybe it was the fact that the audiobook was performed so poorly though. Who knows!
February 8, 2025
I am convinced that all the high ratings are from the author's friends and family. The plot could have been interesting, but this was painful. The dialogue sounded like it was written by AI. It was in first person, so other characters spoke out all their thoughts. Things were over-explained like the author thinks her readers are all stupid. If you really must read this book, DON'T LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK! I think the reader (I believe it's read by the author) wasn't able to keep a consistent distance from the mic, the voices were awful, and whenever a character was upset, she actually did a cringey cry. I'm not sure how I managed to finish this book. Would not recommend.
December 4, 2017
I really wanted to like this one a lot more than I did. To start, there's the premise - fascinating (a mysterious lightning strike, a world turned upside down, fame and riches and evil all blended together, a writer whose creations seem to be coming to life). There's the main characters - conceptually intriguing (I am fascinated by books about books and the people who write/create/publish them, plus there's the whole evil/deal with the devil set of personalities, also usually intriguing to me). And there's the larger questions about reality and wishes - do we make our reality? Is this real? Is she crazy? What are we really willing to give up to achieve our "dreams"? Does anyone EVER learn that you should be careful what you wish for?
Unfortunately, despite all of those positives, I struggled with this one... I really liked the beginning - the setup was intriguing, the characters seemed promising, the secrets and mysteries were thick on the ground. Then things started to slip sideways for me. Alexa veers between lovable neurotic successful writer and over-the-top scheming, greedy witch with surprising frequency as the story develops, and frankly it turned me off. One minute she just wants to write, the next she's having random sex-fests and yelling at her friends and literally closing her eyes to everyone and everything around her that she doesn't want to see. It felt manic, and not in a good, story-developing, way but in an "I'm not sure where to take this character" one...
At more than 50% through, I started skimming - I was still curious enough to see what would happen, but found that I couldn't deal with Alexa and her vacillations over this situation of her own making on a word-by-word basis any more. I don't have a problem with instability or weird occurrences in stories - read enough of my reviews and you'll know that. But I did find myself annoyed, repeatedly, by the instability and weird occurrences here - I don't know exactly why, although I suspect my fundamental dislike of Alexa is a big part of that. The writing here is generally engaging, and so I found myself (as I often do) sucked way in - even when I didn't particularly want to be. To pull your readers in for the ride is a great thing - unless they don't like the person they're riding along with, then it's a bit of a double-edged sword...
The skimming helped - the secret Alexa stumbles onto about half-way through turns out to be the main focus of the rest of the story, and I found it more engaging reading at that point, perhaps because it became somewhat more philosophical (I am a sucker for a good exegesis on the nature of evil) and Alexa seemed to find her focus along with her truth. The addition of the Kip reveal helped, as did the bits about Alexa's mom. And in the end, things did all come together in a way that I found I quite enjoyed for their ambiguity and possibility. There was some head shaking, but it was with grudging admiration - the story came full circle in a way I didn't anticipate, and I liked that even if it felt a little tidy.
Despite the positives in the last half, I still felt like the story meandered and wore on longer than I would have liked. On the whole, I'm a bit ambivalent on this one...
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
Unfortunately, despite all of those positives, I struggled with this one... I really liked the beginning - the setup was intriguing, the characters seemed promising, the secrets and mysteries were thick on the ground. Then things started to slip sideways for me. Alexa veers between lovable neurotic successful writer and over-the-top scheming, greedy witch with surprising frequency as the story develops, and frankly it turned me off. One minute she just wants to write, the next she's having random sex-fests and yelling at her friends and literally closing her eyes to everyone and everything around her that she doesn't want to see. It felt manic, and not in a good, story-developing, way but in an "I'm not sure where to take this character" one...
At more than 50% through, I started skimming - I was still curious enough to see what would happen, but found that I couldn't deal with Alexa and her vacillations over this situation of her own making on a word-by-word basis any more. I don't have a problem with instability or weird occurrences in stories - read enough of my reviews and you'll know that. But I did find myself annoyed, repeatedly, by the instability and weird occurrences here - I don't know exactly why, although I suspect my fundamental dislike of Alexa is a big part of that. The writing here is generally engaging, and so I found myself (as I often do) sucked way in - even when I didn't particularly want to be. To pull your readers in for the ride is a great thing - unless they don't like the person they're riding along with, then it's a bit of a double-edged sword...
The skimming helped - the secret Alexa stumbles onto about half-way through turns out to be the main focus of the rest of the story, and I found it more engaging reading at that point, perhaps because it became somewhat more philosophical (I am a sucker for a good exegesis on the nature of evil) and Alexa seemed to find her focus along with her truth. The addition of the Kip reveal helped, as did the bits about Alexa's mom. And in the end, things did all come together in a way that I found I quite enjoyed for their ambiguity and possibility. There was some head shaking, but it was with grudging admiration - the story came full circle in a way I didn't anticipate, and I liked that even if it felt a little tidy.
Despite the positives in the last half, I still felt like the story meandered and wore on longer than I would have liked. On the whole, I'm a bit ambivalent on this one...
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
December 19, 2019
( Format : Audiobook )
"Rich, rich, beyond my wildest dreams."
As Alexa speculates on the possible success of her new tri!ogy, wishing for the fame and fortune her debut book had fleetingly brought to her, she is unknowingly transported to an alternate reality where her wish is about to come frighteningly true. Despite thoroughly enjoying many aspects of her new life style - the sex, the private island and more money than she could even sent in spending, she is repelled by her perceived situation, including her apparent power over life and death - and wishes things back the way they had been before. But how can that ever happen now?
Despite Alexa being a thoroughly unlikable main character writing in the first person, the initial half of the book is intriguing as she struggles to understand what is happening to her. But as the story unfolds and becomes more obviously paranormal rather than psychological, at least for this reader, it began to lose charm and the ability to hold interest. She seemed to be making far too much fuss over something she had deliberately brought on herself and others and, anyway, I simply did not care. The epilogue was slightly more interesting, however.
Author Karen Bell read her own story on the audiobook, not always the wisest of decisions, but in this case, justified. Her middle timbre voice was a little dull, tending to be monotonous at times, but for the most part conveyed the emotion written into the text, with reasonably good intonation and her voicing of other characters was excellent, with the exception of the British accent attributed to the chauffeur. Her reading was slow, however, and increasing play back speed to 1.25 helped without affecting the quality.
My thanks to the rights holder of When a Stranger Came, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the premise and the first half of the story but then felt that not only did the tale spin out of control but was too long, the main protagonist too unlikable to hold audience empathy and that psychological was far more interesting than paranormal, anyway. But the book has made an impression even though I doubt if I would recommend it to anyone other than a paranormal fan.
"Rich, rich, beyond my wildest dreams."
As Alexa speculates on the possible success of her new tri!ogy, wishing for the fame and fortune her debut book had fleetingly brought to her, she is unknowingly transported to an alternate reality where her wish is about to come frighteningly true. Despite thoroughly enjoying many aspects of her new life style - the sex, the private island and more money than she could even sent in spending, she is repelled by her perceived situation, including her apparent power over life and death - and wishes things back the way they had been before. But how can that ever happen now?
Despite Alexa being a thoroughly unlikable main character writing in the first person, the initial half of the book is intriguing as she struggles to understand what is happening to her. But as the story unfolds and becomes more obviously paranormal rather than psychological, at least for this reader, it began to lose charm and the ability to hold interest. She seemed to be making far too much fuss over something she had deliberately brought on herself and others and, anyway, I simply did not care. The epilogue was slightly more interesting, however.
Author Karen Bell read her own story on the audiobook, not always the wisest of decisions, but in this case, justified. Her middle timbre voice was a little dull, tending to be monotonous at times, but for the most part conveyed the emotion written into the text, with reasonably good intonation and her voicing of other characters was excellent, with the exception of the British accent attributed to the chauffeur. Her reading was slow, however, and increasing play back speed to 1.25 helped without affecting the quality.
My thanks to the rights holder of When a Stranger Came, who, at my request via Audiobook Boom, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy. I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the premise and the first half of the story but then felt that not only did the tale spin out of control but was too long, the main protagonist too unlikable to hold audience empathy and that psychological was far more interesting than paranormal, anyway. But the book has made an impression even though I doubt if I would recommend it to anyone other than a paranormal fan.
March 20, 2019
I received this book from ebook discovery to give an honest review.
This book at first had promise but I found myself losing interest, picking up, then falling back down. It was hard for me to actually pinpoint what it was exactly that kept me closing the book and setting it down. Maybe because there was just not enough wow factor. I really loved the idea that the main character was an author! We follow Alexa as she deals with writing and what comes along with writing a good book or series of books. When she finds herself signing a contract with a publisher that sounds shady and things start to go weird. At first, she doesn't realize that evil is afoot until a bit later when she slowly starts putting two and two together and yet, it is hard to make the right choice. She wrestles with herself on what is real and what is not. Overall it wasn't a bad story it lacked full excitement and you could guess pretty much early on what was going to fully happen. I also liked how her characters came to life and had their own personalities but I didn't agree with how Alexa slept with her character even while he was with someone else. Like you crossed that line sugar? The main character wasn't likable or likable she was just plain if that makes sense. Even though this book was not really for me I would say give it a read you may find it more enjoyable than I did.
This book at first had promise but I found myself losing interest, picking up, then falling back down. It was hard for me to actually pinpoint what it was exactly that kept me closing the book and setting it down. Maybe because there was just not enough wow factor. I really loved the idea that the main character was an author! We follow Alexa as she deals with writing and what comes along with writing a good book or series of books. When she finds herself signing a contract with a publisher that sounds shady and things start to go weird. At first, she doesn't realize that evil is afoot until a bit later when she slowly starts putting two and two together and yet, it is hard to make the right choice. She wrestles with herself on what is real and what is not. Overall it wasn't a bad story it lacked full excitement and you could guess pretty much early on what was going to fully happen. I also liked how her characters came to life and had their own personalities but I didn't agree with how Alexa slept with her character even while he was with someone else. Like you crossed that line sugar? The main character wasn't likable or likable she was just plain if that makes sense. Even though this book was not really for me I would say give it a read you may find it more enjoyable than I did.
February 11, 2020
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.
This book has an intriguing blurb - which I loved. I loved the beginning of the book, but unfortunately, not so much the MC Alexa. Then this book was sort of all over the place. At one point, Alexa understands what's occurring and decides to fight against it but the next minute she is involved in a sex orgy. I just did not like the wishy-washyness of the MC. I also did not enjoy the information dumps which would occur periodically throughout the book. The villain, in a very long monologue, would provide an incredible amount of information - which after a while, you just sort of tune out. There were parts of this book which I really liked but overall, this was just okay for me.
The author is the narrator for this book. I usually do not like authors who narrate their own books. Narration is a skill and when done well will really elevate a book. While her narration was not awful, I wished she had used a professional narrator. At times the audio was muffled, her US northeastern accent was not completely fitting with this book, and she failed to raise the level of emotion required for this story. There were interesting bits throughout the book - such as speeding up and slowing down the narration for character effect which I thought were quite good.
This book has an intriguing blurb - which I loved. I loved the beginning of the book, but unfortunately, not so much the MC Alexa. Then this book was sort of all over the place. At one point, Alexa understands what's occurring and decides to fight against it but the next minute she is involved in a sex orgy. I just did not like the wishy-washyness of the MC. I also did not enjoy the information dumps which would occur periodically throughout the book. The villain, in a very long monologue, would provide an incredible amount of information - which after a while, you just sort of tune out. There were parts of this book which I really liked but overall, this was just okay for me.
The author is the narrator for this book. I usually do not like authors who narrate their own books. Narration is a skill and when done well will really elevate a book. While her narration was not awful, I wished she had used a professional narrator. At times the audio was muffled, her US northeastern accent was not completely fitting with this book, and she failed to raise the level of emotion required for this story. There were interesting bits throughout the book - such as speeding up and slowing down the narration for character effect which I thought were quite good.
September 23, 2018
eview:
When a Stranger Comes… has such a unique concept. I love reading stories about authors, but I don’t think I’ve ever read one quite like this. Alexa Wainwright is presented with a contract that is too good to be true, but signs it anyway, and realizes she’s just made a deal with the devil.
I love Karen Bell’s mix of magical realism, paranormal and suspense. I was taken on really unique and gripping psychological thriller. With twists and turns, I was kept on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end, excited to see the outcome.
I found Alexa compelling and the situation realistic (in a suspend your disbelief kind of way). When offered this contract, even though it was too good to be true, it’s human nature to want to achieve success.
This was a really unique book, that I highly suggest experiencing for yourself!
*I received this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
When a Stranger Comes… has such a unique concept. I love reading stories about authors, but I don’t think I’ve ever read one quite like this. Alexa Wainwright is presented with a contract that is too good to be true, but signs it anyway, and realizes she’s just made a deal with the devil.
I love Karen Bell’s mix of magical realism, paranormal and suspense. I was taken on really unique and gripping psychological thriller. With twists and turns, I was kept on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the end, excited to see the outcome.
I found Alexa compelling and the situation realistic (in a suspend your disbelief kind of way). When offered this contract, even though it was too good to be true, it’s human nature to want to achieve success.
This was a really unique book, that I highly suggest experiencing for yourself!
*I received this book as part of a blog tour. All opinions are my own.*
June 23, 2018
Actual ratings: 2.5 stars
A tl;dr:
[+] Interesting "deal with the Devil" plotline
[+] Ending was open to reader's interpretation
[+] Prologue and epilogue was engaging
[-] MC unlikable and unrelatable
[-] Relied a bit too much on long monologues
[-] Spent too much time on back stories and Alexa's glittered life
The ending gave the much needed room for a reader’s own interpretation. It might even make one reread the last couple of chapters again just to get a better grasp on it. This, along with the captivating prologue, is the kind of experience one would want from a psychological thriller: gripping and thought-provoking. And it is terribly a shame to only experience such only at the beginning and end of the novel.
Read my full review on Underground Book Reviews
A tl;dr:
[+] Interesting "deal with the Devil" plotline
[+] Ending was open to reader's interpretation
[+] Prologue and epilogue was engaging
[-] MC unlikable and unrelatable
[-] Relied a bit too much on long monologues
[-] Spent too much time on back stories and Alexa's glittered life
The ending gave the much needed room for a reader’s own interpretation. It might even make one reread the last couple of chapters again just to get a better grasp on it. This, along with the captivating prologue, is the kind of experience one would want from a psychological thriller: gripping and thought-provoking. And it is terribly a shame to only experience such only at the beginning and end of the novel.
Read my full review on Underground Book Reviews
September 8, 2019
I truly wanted to love this book since the blurb drew me in but unfortunately it just didn't do it for me,. I nearly stopped reading many times in just the first half, but i kept going hoping it would get better. Unfortunately it did not. The writing was a little underdeveloped for my tastes. The wording was overzealous in many places. I simply couldn't become entrapped in the story the way I wish I could have.
The premise is intriguing with the internal struggles the main character faces, especially those set in place by outside forces. The desire for fame and fortune, a need for intimacy, and a yearning to know an estranged relative are all issues most people can relate to. The mystery and intrigue of what this story could become has me hoping the author will rework her heart thoughts and improve upon what she's already written. If so, I'll gladly try reading it again.
The premise is intriguing with the internal struggles the main character faces, especially those set in place by outside forces. The desire for fame and fortune, a need for intimacy, and a yearning to know an estranged relative are all issues most people can relate to. The mystery and intrigue of what this story could become has me hoping the author will rework her heart thoughts and improve upon what she's already written. If so, I'll gladly try reading it again.
December 3, 2017
I was excited to read this book. In fact, in the beginning I was into this story. Yet, several chapters later my excitement had disappeared. However, I kept reading hoping that I would find that magic again. Sadly, after reaching the half way point I put the book down. It seems that I was reading a different book from the majority of the other readers.
There was nothing intriguing about the story or the characters that kept me wanting to come back for more. There were times when I had to re-read scenes. The alternate reality that Alexa was transported to did not lend much into the way or interest. Overall, this book just did not do it for me. As I stated however I am in the minority when it came to this book. So, you might like this book. Give it a try.
There was nothing intriguing about the story or the characters that kept me wanting to come back for more. There were times when I had to re-read scenes. The alternate reality that Alexa was transported to did not lend much into the way or interest. Overall, this book just did not do it for me. As I stated however I am in the minority when it came to this book. So, you might like this book. Give it a try.
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