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Spirits of Los Gatos #1

Sarah's Inheritance

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Sarah knew she was getting a house.  She didn’t know about the rest of it.

Learning of her grandmother’s death shook Sarah Richards.  She hadn’t seen the woman since she was a child, kept far away on the other side of the country by her controlling mother.  They had built a long-distance relationship though secret phone calls and unmentioned emails, and even though Sarah was now well into adulthood she still hadn’t gathered the courage to go visit the grandmother she missed, and now it was too late.  Now, though, she owned the house Gran had lived in, and Sarah was determined to break free of her mother’s grasp.  Moving from New York City to a town just outside of San Jose, California was scary, but she felt drawn there to learn more about her grandmother, and if she was lucky, to find her own path in life.  

What she didn’t expect was to be thrown into a supernatural battle between monsters from her worst nightmares and Gran’s strange, not-quite-human friends.  It turns out that the house was the least important part of what Rosemary Richards passed down to her granddaughter, and now Sarah has to decide if she is willing to learn more about the world she’s been dumped into or if she would rather go back to her mother where life was dull, but at least it was safe.

Sarah’s Inheritance is the first book in the Spirits of Los Gatos series.  If you like Andre Norten and Jaymim Eve, you’ll enjoy this tale of one woman finding out what she actually wants from life.  Buy Sarah’s Inheritance now and see what secrets Los Gatos is hiding.  Special discounted price during launch, price will rise on 2/4!

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2018

295 people are currently reading
140 people want to read

About the author

Katherine Kim

28 books14 followers
Katherine Kim is a lifelong lover of fantasy. She started early, being read Tolkien as bedtime stories, which honestly explains a lot. More recently she’s been drawn to more urban fantasy stories through both books and television, and reading continues to be a passion. She lives and writes in Tokyo, with her family, a number of miniature giant robots, and not nearly enough coffee...

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5 stars
170 (42%)
4 stars
131 (32%)
3 stars
76 (18%)
2 stars
20 (4%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,339 reviews67 followers
September 18, 2022
3 Warm For Her Body And Her Heart Stars

Sarah's Inheritance is the first book in the Spirits Of Los Gatos series by Katherine Kim.

This was a cute magical awakening story. While filled with the loss of her grandmother, and the secret of her Witch heritage coming to light, along with the pain of everyone she's trusted carrying this secret, there was a lot of joy to be found in these pages. The Village, and this little pocket of California have a deep small community feel.

While I like the camaraderie between these characters: Doc with her upbeat, motivational speeches, and kindness. Kai with how steadfast, protective, and loyal he is to those he considers part of their community. Sebastian in how he helped to fill her with light, and smiles, and laughter. There were so many other people that simply added to this enriching atmosphere, and made this book feel complete.

I think it's obvious from the first moment you understand how vehemently her mother doesn't want her near her grandmother's influence, and how controlling she is, that she would go out of her way to try an force, beyond simply words, her daughter to do as she was told. It's a little upsetting because this twist wasn't very well insulated. But I do think it opens up the possibility for her mother to be involved in some way, beyond her late husband's familial connection, to this world of magic and spirits. Because how else would she stumble upon a warlock for hire?

There's much more beneath the surface of this small community. Not just counting the magical mysteries still left untold. Mainly, I'm intrigued by these godly type spirits. Mr. Young and Kai's father, specifically. Perhaps they're connection to Kai is the personal vendetta that spurred the mystery boss into targeting them?

I am upset that there was so little magic explained. It's completely glossed over in any place it's mentioned. Which is a serious plothole given it plays such a key component in the heroines character. She professes to having felt like she was missing something important her entire life. For the author to so sparsely explain how she goes about learning magic, and the magical system of this literary universe, seems like such a cop-out.
Profile Image for Jae.
878 reviews1 follower
December 3, 2024
Sarah is devastated to learn that her beloved grandmother, Rosemary, has passed away. She always meant to travel across the country to visit her, but Sarah was reluctant to face the wrath of her overbearing mother, who was determined to keep Sarah as far away from Rosemary as possible. However, when Sarah finds out she inherited her grandmother's house, she travels to California. There, she encounters some of Rosemary's friends and neighbors and also finds herself caught up in a battle between supernatural creatures and her grandmother's friends, who aren't fully human. Sarah also learns she's a witch, and she begins to read her gran's journals, hoping to learn more about her grandmother and her own abilities.

This was fast-paced and exciting. I liked seeing Sarah come out of her shell and make new friends on her own. I would have appreciated more world-building, but the reader gained information as Sarah did--in bits and pieces. Her mother was a loathsome human being. She didn't just deserve a bitch-slap. No, she deserved to be bitch-slapped to death. What a despicable piece of work. There were some formatting issues, most notably the fact that some words were split between one line and the next. That's fine. What isn't fine is when they were split in no sensible manner. Even worse, sometimes it was only one letter that carried over to the next line. I mean, if you have space to put the dash/hyphen, you have space for one more letter! Annoying. I also noted several editing issues. The worst was Sarah's name. Is she Sarah Elizabeth Richards, or Sarah Rose Richards?

Wishing I could give this 3.5 stars. It was enjoyable enough that I'll bump it up to four.
Profile Image for Blake.
1,304 reviews44 followers
July 6, 2022
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring.)


First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews54 followers
August 27, 2018
Learning about your past can save your future, even if you are a wimp

A really well written book but for me there was something missing. It just didn't gel and I really thought the main character was a damp squid. I have read other books with a fairly similar theme that I did enjoy more. Having heard that her beloved grandmother has passed, she goes to the house she inherited, against her domineering mother's wishes and tries to find a purpose for her life. Dark cols spirits, were's, gods, warlocks and her inherited witch blood are thrown at her from all angles. Can they fight the cold spirits? Is she a witch? Who is working against the community that has grown not far from her Grandmother's house? The characters are all well developed and defined but I really didn't like the heroine.
Profile Image for Lyssa Sue Shaffer.
240 reviews
May 4, 2018
Light and lively

What happens when you inherit a house across the country from where you live? Well, first you go visit and think. If your life hasn't been all that happy you can just opt in to the adventure and move to this house that could become your home... You roll the dice and give it a shot, who knows it could be a magical win.

Not everyone will agree with your decision but, it is your life and your inheritance. So don't let the naysayers close your heart or mind.

And if you happen to discover a whole new paranormal lifestyle? Give it a chance after all if you don't like it you can always move back to where you started later. Call it a sabbatical if you need, but give the fates a chance and explore your opportunities.

Well worth reading.
6,202 reviews41 followers
October 8, 2019
Sarah has the mother from hell. Utterly controlling, nasty and never listens. Sarah's grandmother has died and left her a house which Sarah's mother figures Sarah should just sell and then return home.

Sarah did not count on being attacked by some kind of shadow beings, is defended by a fox and finds out a really lot of stuff has been kept secret from her, stuff that she needs to know really soon or else she may end up being killed.

So now she has to acknowledge were-beings. If that weren't enough her house gets ransacked, gets attacked again, is involved in a major battle, gets kidnapped and, worst of all, has to still deal with her mother.

The characters are well done, the villains interesting and the resolution acceptable.
74 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2021
Surprisingly good!

The concept of the story pulled me in, the action kept my interest but the ending helped me hope the main character would gain confidence and maturity, given the age. That's why I gave only 4 stars, because I felt like I was reading about an 18 year old with little life experience, yet she held a job and had advanced education. Even with a controlling mother, I thought her maturity should've poked through during certain key plot points. Despite this, the story flowed and was on point. So glad I bought the set! Onward to the next book! Lol!
Profile Image for Nan.
1,316 reviews4 followers
January 5, 2020
Sarah’s Inheritance

A very enjoyable story of a young woman discovering her heritage as a witch and a whole other world she knew nothing about. When Sarah’s grandmother dies she leaves her San Francisco area home to Sarah. Leaving New York is an easy decision and she quickly settles in. She meets her Gran’s friends and discovers mysteries all around. Sarah is a strong, caring character and the world she is entering is interesting.
104 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2020
Pretty good. 4*-, I think
I'm not going to rush out and buy everything else by this author, but I did enjoy this book.
The protagonist is believable. The setting works. The writing's decent.
The fact that she does the rescuing rather than being rescued is good. I HATE whiny females who let everything happen to them.
The biggest single problem is the cardboard controlling mother who really was over the top.
514 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2021
Wow!

A complex storyline that grabs you from the first page, after her grandmother dies and desperate to get out from under her controlling mother Sarah heads to California to claim her inheritance and unknown to her witchy magic. Wonderful characters shifters witches gods and warlocks this one has a little bit of everything including humor and romance. Well worth a read, recommend Baz.
908 reviews18 followers
March 12, 2020
Common girl finds out she's a witch

Based around the common plot of a girl who finds out that the supernatural exists when she inherits her estranged grandmother's house.

Full interesting terminology, characters and twists and turns it was an interesting read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Margaux Espinosa.
1,301 reviews21 followers
May 11, 2021
Great start to a series

Really good start to a series, with good characters, world building and storyline. I grew up in Santa Cruz, which is only about 20mins from Los Gatos, and it was great to read a story that's based so close to home. This was a fun and enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Michelle.
189 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2021
Enjoyable reading

I loved this storyline. I can seriously relate to Sarah's relationships with her mother, and the extreme loss of her dad and gram! The plot is well thought out, the characters whimsical and rough all at the same time. Cannot wait to see what happens next. Definitely recommend this series
Profile Image for Dena.
4,451 reviews12 followers
October 24, 2025
the new kid in town

This was a opening book to the series. While I enjoyed reading about the characters, I just felt like there was lack of depth. I didn’t understand the area or who the Grandmother really was. I just hope in future stories we learn more about the background on Rosie.
Profile Image for Cindy Dillman.
161 reviews2 followers
February 13, 2020
Sarah's Inheritance

It's always WONDERFUL to discover another great author. One who invests in her characters and gives heart to her stories.
Thank you, Katherine Kim, for giving me even more books to enjoy.
2,416 reviews
February 17, 2020
This is a new author for me and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the storyline and characters. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
649 reviews
October 18, 2021
A special kind of spell

A new look at an old inheritance has this reader kiddy with joy. As Sarah finds herself related to a with and with burgiding powers of her own an excellent read can not wait for the next book!
91 reviews
November 23, 2021
It's okay, but...

I got awfully tired of Sarah's automatic response to any kind of stress - crying. The over all story line is good but I kept hoping she'd put her big girl panties on and deal with it.
289 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2022
Sarah is a hero! Sebastián is no slouch

Sarah finds out her grandmother is dead and has left her house and land to her. She has to quit her job and go to California because she needs a different direction in her life. Boy does she get that
23 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2022
Great book!

This is a story about a young woman coming of age and discovering her own strengths and abilities. She finds friends who turn into family with the potential for a more intimate relationship. She discovers a whole different and magical world.
Profile Image for Barb VanderWel.
1,819 reviews30 followers
September 22, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
Profile Image for Phil Matthews.
509 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2018
Pretty darn good

This story has very interesting, believable characters, although development is somewhat lacking. It is somewhat stretched out for my taste.
68 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2019
Readable,

But badly in need of a good editing in all sorts of ways. Seriously. Hire one , it makes a difference
19 reviews
May 13, 2020
Good pacing, nice homecoming feeling

I read in 4 hours. The story had good mystery and a new family for Sarah to come home to.
Profile Image for Wanda binz.
817 reviews6 followers
August 19, 2021
Excellent story

This is the first in a series of books that is well written entertaining and fun a little scary so ENJOY,!
Profile Image for Lisa Norvell.
733 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2022
Good

I enjoyed this first one of a wonderful series. I plan on reading more. The characters are engaging and the world building is very good.
16 reviews
September 21, 2022
Best idea!

This was a fast moving book. It was a departure from the other books I have read. Reading it was fun and very delightful. I didn't think it would be this great.
Profile Image for Mai.
2,888 reviews6 followers
January 29, 2024
Very good start to a series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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