Not in the Cards

An Oracle Bay Novel #1

by Amy Cissell

Oracle Bay looks like a typical sleepy coastal town…

…but every place has its secrets.

What happens when you move to a town where the local psychics really can see into the future?

Sandy Franklin is mid-divorce and ready for a fresh start on the Washington coast. When she rents a cheap apartment and the tarot shop that comes with it, she gets more than she expected—wine-drinking, pun-making seers and brand-new psychic powers.

When Vincent, the handsome developer who owns most of Main Street, announces he’s selling Oracle Bay to stave off financial ruin, Sandy and the other psychics devise a plan to save the town using their divination skills and a little old-fashioned sleuthing.

The one thing no one saw coming was Sandy falling for the man who could destroy Oracle Bay and make her house of cards come tumbling down.

Will Sandy’s almost-ex-husband ruin her life, the town she calls home, and her new relationship with Vincent? Or will she get a chance at true love with the man whose past is catching up with him even faster than her own?

You’ll love this paranormal psychic romance, because a boatload of puns, a touch of mystery, and a dash of supernatural tomfoolery are the perfect recipe for an afternoon escape.

Not in the Cards is book 1 in the Psychics of Oracle Bay paranormal mystery romance series.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2018

About the author

Amy Cissell is a USA Today Bestselling Author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels. She lives in Portland, OR with her husband, her haunted house-obsessed daughter, their two cats, and the murder of crows she's conspiring to turn into her vengeful army.

When she's not working or writing, she's sleeping because that's all she has time to do! There are few things Amy loves more than a well-timed pun, a good book, a glass of wine, and making calf eyes at Portugal when she thinks no one’s looking.

Although she reads anything and everything, her first love has always been fantasy. Eleven-year-old Amy discovered fantasy when she 'borrowed' her father's copy of The Hobbit and an enduring love affair (mostly with dragons) was born.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can also read my review here: https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....

Not in the Cards is a cozy mystery set in Oracle Bay, a small town by the beach that ha an extraordinary amount of psychics living and working there. I have recently been introduced to the cozy mystery genre and have found them charming and entertaining, so when I got the request to review this book I happily accepted. Not in the Cards combined fantasy elements that I love with an interesting mystery set in a small town setting

My favorite thing about this novel was the characters. The group of psychics were entertaining to read about as well as funny and loyal to each other. I am happy to hear that this series continues to focus on the town and each novel is centered around a different character, I did enjoy reading about Sandy, but her story seems to be over by the end of this book and her romance was a bit insta-love like for me. I can't wait to learn more about the other psychics, the coming 'storm' and more mysteries in Oracle Bay.

The plot of this book didn't really impress me. Less than halfway into the story the mystery was pretty much solved and there weren't many twists or surprising elements. It was more of a romance than a mystery, which typically isn't my thing. I do love the writing, the characters and the charm of the town though, and am emotionally invested in what happens next. This was my first Amy Cissell book and I can't wait to read the rest of the Oracle Bay series.

[Katherine B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked and disliked this book at the same time. It suffered from the same problems another book I read recently did. It had to many plates in the air at one time, the romance was kind of unbelievable, and the villain was completely incompetent. I am going to have spoilers in my review, so if you don't want to know anything about the plot, don't keep reading.

We have our heroine, Sandy, in the middle of a messy divorce with a man who full-on gaslit her while they were married. And cheated on her too. She moves to a small town (as they all do. Remind me never to get divorced because I don't like small towns) and opens a tarot reading shop. There, she meets our hero, Vincent, who has been accused of embezzling from a company I thought was fairly certain he owned. But then he got fired? I'm really not sure if he was the big boss or just a mid-level boss. Either way, he had money and was now freaking out because he was going to be taken to court for embezzlement.

The two meet when he decides to get a reading and sparks flew instantly. He asked her out after the reading and she turned him down, saying she didn't want to start something while she was still married (she was weeks away from getting the final papers signed). He acquiesced, and I was proud of them both. Her for setting boundaries, and him for respecting them. THEN, they bumped into each other while at a bar, and the bartender (who had just been hitting on her) decided to tell them to go on a date. Neither of them refused and my pride shriveled up and died.

I must say that Vincent was in town because he owned a lot of the real estate and was going to have to sell it all because he'd been told he wouldn't be charged if he could pay back what had gone missing. And he decided to do this. When no charges had been brought against him. And he hadn't been taken to court. This was something his lawyer got him entirely under the table... He needs a better lawyer. He keeps getting accosted by the guy who wants to buy Oracle Bay from him, which was kind of unnecessary, and I'll explain why later.

The couple start going out, but are taking things slow. Then, Aaron, Sandy's almost-ex shows up. He starts stalking her because "no one leaves Aaron Bell" (his words, not mine). We also see very quickly he's got a lot of new money, and, surprise surprise, Vincent is his old boss and Aaron hates him. Aaron tells Sandy he was the whistleblower about the embezzlement, and he was rewarded handsomely for this.

To make a long story very short, we eventually discover that Aaron was the embezzler, and the girl he cheated on Sandy with helps them prove it. Aaron is furious when he sees Vincent and Sandy together and after almost assaulting her in the middle of a coffee shop, puts out a hit on her. She is rescued by some plot-convenient cops and makes it to court where Aaron finally signs the divorce papers, is arrested for embezzlement, and she goes back to Oracle Bay to look at her and Vincent's new house (not even joking).

There are several other plotlines going on throughout all of this. We have the other oracles of Oracle Bay, who I assume are all getting their own books. I have actually already read book 2 (this one was better), and we're seeing a lot of set up for the rest of the series. We also have this weird "Oracle Bay is in danger from mysterious, godly forces" plot that was not carried forward well in book 2, and was just confusing. It seemed tacked on after a more intense plot featuring Vincent and Sandy.

I have just a few things that I would like to say bothered me about this book.

1. I personally think we had too much setup for the other oracles. Like mentioning that the second book heroine hates the hero of that book? Fine! But the number of times Drew and Bill looked hurt at something the other did was annoying. And we don't need to see the romantic setup for ALL of the oracles in one book. Especially if their romance isn't going to happen for at least another book.
2. The romance between Vincent and Sandy. She clearly stated she didn't want to get into a relationship before her divorce was final. But within a couple of hours of stating that, she was going on a date with the him and by the end of the book (which couldn't have been more than a few weeks later), they were talking about forever and he'd just bought a house for them to live in and populate with children. Also, she had ZERO trauma? The girl had just gotten out of a ten-year marriage where she was emotionally (and physically) abused. Yet she had no fears about jumping into a brand new relationship with someone she'd just met? And who was accused of a crime? And who KNEW her ex?
3. Half of this book was either Sandy doing very in-depth tarot readings, or someone ordering a drink, either coffee or alcohol. I think we could've cut down at least a couple thousand words if we had just cut that part and said that the characters ordered their drinks, or she got her coffee and a bagel, or something like that. I know some of the readings were essential, but definitely not all of them.
4. Aaron was a problem in and of himself. I thought I'd found the most useless villain in another book I read recently, but I've changed my mind. Aaron is worse. At least that other villain was smart. Aaron shows up to try to get Sandy back because his fragile ego can't handle her leaving him. He immediately starts flashing his money and wealth, like his wife of ten years wouldn't notice that his finances had obviously changed. He STALKS her and harasses Vincent, to the point that he is forcibly removed from several establishments for his rude behavior. He TELLS Sandy he was the whistleblower on Vincent and makes it clear that he has some level of involvement in the embezzlement. He does NOTHING intelligent throughout the entire book. I genuinely thought he was going to be the little fish that was used by a smarter guy to get the money. Because he was unbelievably stupid. Instead of being a compelling villain, the one word I associated with him throughout the entire book was "impotent." He couldn't do anything right. There's no way he could've gotten over a million dollars from a huge company like that without getting caught.
5. A good half of this book was spent trying to get enough evidence to take Aaron to court for embezzlement. I thought for sure that we were going to see the trial. The real estate guy, Darwin, was only in the book so we could see his in-depth tarot reading, and also because he was going to be set up as a witness against Aaron. But we don't see the trial. At all. The last time we see Aaron is at about 95% of the way through the book, where he is arrested for embezzlement, attempted murder, and a few other charges I've forgotten. This was conveniently at the courthouse where they were signing the divorce papers, and the judge told the police to wait outside until after the papers were signed. I feel gypped that I didn't get to see the results of everything that they had been working towards for most of the book.

I enjoyed the characters in this book. I thought they were fun. The storyline had me (minus my little annoyances at the constant ordering of drinks and tarot readings) up until Aaron hired a hitman, and I thought it was an interesting setup for a magic system and series. I think there just needed to be a little less introduction, and maybe, just maybe, the villain needed to be a bit more competent.

[☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was absolutely crazy about this book! I love divination and a good book and this book has it all!💖

I love all things divination and even am part of a group and do it for a living so reading this book was swoon worthy! The characters were fantastic and oh how I wish I lived in Oracle Bay.😍

[letty · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Anyone who makes someone feel bad about enjoying simple pleasures like tea or champagne or romance novels is a jackass of the highest degree.”

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in the Oracle Bay series by Amy Cissell.

This series is right in my wheelhouse. I am jamming reading how the oracle bay psychics, tarot readers, crystal ball readers, palm readers, etc figure out how to keep their town from being sold out from under them.

When the big ah-ha moment comes in and you realize that Sandy is totally connected to this town in a significant way, then the story really takes off. I feel like this is almost more contemporary love story than anything else. I was just loving every bit of it. Hated Sandy’s ex-Aaron. How she ever fell for him, I’ll never know. Definitely loving the love story between Sandy and Vincent. I heart Oracle Bay and have already started book two.

If you love a good contemporary romance, definitely check this one out.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I had only read maybe one book by this author before (and I wasn’t sure about that), I didn’t know what to expect when I went into this book. The premise of the book sounded like something I would enjoy. At first, as I started reading the book, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. However, after a few pages, I was drawn into the book and it never let me go. In fact, by the end of the book, I was so ready to find out what was going to happen next from all the hints that were given, I wanted the next book right then. This book was well-written, had a great plot (both romance and intrigue), and I loved the characters, even the villain who I loved to hate. Can’t wait to read more and I highly recommend!

[Eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so much fun! I would very much like to live in Oracle Bay, although I'd be the character who doesn't make an appearance, the hapless, completely not-at-all psychic one who just wanders alongside the main characters and appreciates the punny business names. I don't understand why there is not a cocktail bar/bookstore named Olive or Twist in my life.

I'm also very happy with the release schedule for this series. My birthday week is shaping up to be pretty exciting.

[Anna Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

A feel good book

One thing that bothered me though, was the "could've " used liberally throughout the book when it would make more sense to write the words separately. Annoying.
Otherwise it was a nice read.

[Krystyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

She just has to read the tarot and let her gift guide her

A community of psychics, a woman desperate at get away from her soon to be ex-husband and a man on his way to financial ruin and possibly even jail time. The characters are just slightly too goodie, goodie and too baddie, baddie. (It could just be me but I would have preferred a more mixed up ratio). She is still trying to get her life on track and thought that this small town would be the perfect place. Although renting a tarot card readers shop was a far cry from what she was used to but she needs some way to make money. He is trying to liquidate his assets as he has been framed for embezzling funds from his company and has only a few weeks to make up the money. When the two meet she finds out not only that she is attracted to him but that he soon to be ex used to work for him. Now her ex wants her back at any price. Threats, documents and a hitman. Will she live to get a divorce? Will the divorce actually happen? Will the embezzlement be cleared up and the right culprit found?
The pace seemed a bit slow in places whilst other parts were over too quickly. Maybe the pacing will be corrected in the next book. Hope we see more human errors in the psychics as at present they're just a bit too squeaky clean. Where are their feet of clay?

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Among the best in presentation among the "newfound psychic ability" novels; "Not in the Cards" doesn't present Sandy as a clueless dolt being led by the nose by the "in" crowd, and it doesn't make a big deal of innate abilities. Sandy's gradual but easy acceptance of what is ends up being a good character descriptor. Her willingness to make new friends and accept them for who they are defines her new life nicely.

It's obvious without reading the "#1" that this is the start of a series. It seems to lay out the foundation nicely, and makes me curious to read the rest. Despite that, the "all hell is going to break loose" vibe of the last couple of chapters also makes me fear transition from a cozy psychic mystery to a Stephen King horror; I do hope that is not the case. As a first-time reader of Cissell's, I have no basis to judge.

Cissell does succumb to one of my pet peeves -- lack of a good proofreader. Not egregious, but not acceptable, in my opinion, and that decreased my review by a star.

[Deana Evers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique story

I enjoyed this book and especially the part of the story about the heroine discovering her psychic gift of reading cards. The new love interest and the group of psychic friends was also heartwarming. The ex husband was a little too much of the stereotypical bad guy and I would have liked more plot twist there. I'm also more a fan of realistic paranormal and this series sounds like it's heading to the fantasy realm next so that's a little disappointing to me , but others may like more of demons, vampires, angels etc... I'd prefer she used real humans and explored their unique but real gifts. Overall this was a fun and well written story. My only other comment is that there is alot of drinking. Literally every get together in the book involves heavy alcohol consumption.

[Melissa Basnight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandy moves to Oracle Bay to hide from her soon to be ex-husband and gets a job as a tarot reader to make some money from the tourists that visit the area. She used to read tarot cards in college and figured that was her only real talent, but what she didn’t know was that she definitely had the gift to truly read the cards. The residents of Oracle Bay tested out her skills to make sure she was the real deal. The psychics in the area all have different abilities to read the future and they formed a group that gets together as friends and helps to protect each other. I am curious to see what happens next in Oracle Bay since there seems to be a storm brewing. This is the first book I have ready by the author and I want to read more.

[Dee Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oracle Bay book 1

I really wanted to give this 5 stars. I loved the story, it was entertaining and had all the right components... ..it had romance, excitement, danger and suspense. Then I got to the ending..I had saved the last two chapters to kinda savor them(I hate to be interrupted at the end of a book) and the ending was just ok. Nothing that's grabs you to want to immediately get the next book. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a bad ending, ..it was just a little bit of a left down. But the book itself was good enough that I am definitely going to buy the 2nd one and read it.

[Hannah Lorenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awww this book was so cutie. I got this for free on stuff your kindle day and needed something to read at the nail salon and on the plane. It was such a cute paranormal/contemporary romance/mystery although the mystery was blatantly obvious within a couple chapters. It was an enjoyable and easy read to pass the time (ME liking a contemporary romance?!?) but I’m not sure if I’ll be reading the other books anytime soon. I feel like the good overall story is just getting started, but it didn’t really draw me in enough to start immediately.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So so

I won’t be reading anymore of this series. The world building had big holes. The female lead just took too much for granted without ever questioning her new talents or the history of the town. The male lead was suppose to be a smart successful businessman but he couldn’t figure out how to solve his problems. The bad guy talks and behaves like a spoiled child. The action is weak, the dialog weaker.

[Nikki Minty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the card readings and psychic element throughout this book, it was a fun touch to the overall story. The main protagonist Sandy was easy to connect with and her friends were all very quirky and engaging. I enjoyed the banter between them.
I’m looking forward to seeing how this story moves forward in book 2.

[Heather Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but jumbled

I really loved the idea of this book. It started out great but then it got jumbled up with way to much stuff going on that didn't seem to flow with the storyline. I truly hope book two is more coherent because v the characters seem great and I want to read more about them.

[Dominique Speed · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved!!!

Such a great book from start to finish. Love the mystery and romance… if you’re into Tarot or anything similar like scrying, runes, etc. this is the perfect read for you! I was browsing my tbr and came across this and am so happy I did! Definitely have to read the 2nd asap!

[Andree]

DNFing this 30% of the way through. I'm not clicking with the writing style, or the characters. But I don't think it's a bad book... I just don't think this is for me. I'm also thinking that while I like a cozy mystery, like I learned with romance novels, I need to get better at DNFing them when they aren't working for me.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This was a great read. Not at all what I was expecting and I'm glad for that. This is a unique setting with an array of quirky characters. I can't wait to figure them all out.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandy comes to oracle bay after filing for divorce. She meets the guy, Vincent, who is going to sell oracle bay’s Main Street. Turns out her ex-husband, Aaron, followed her to town. Turns out Vincent is Aron’s ex-employer.

[Heart DeCoupeville · Rating 1 out of 5]

Despite the author's gracious thanks to her editor, I found the writing just too weak to hold my interest in any potential story. I wanted to pull out my virtual red pen and make changes on virtually every virtual page. When the writing is that bad, I give up. DNF at 8%.

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book

I liked the characters, from Sandy opening her shop and then meeting the others. I also loved how you learned more about the secrets in this town and about the characters. I also loved the plot of this, it was a fun book.

[Dolly Macfarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysteries Within Mysteries

Likable interesting characters laced with paranormal abilities using abilities to resolve embezzlement. Romance, exhusband and new love keep the story moving.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. Can't wait for the next installment to come out.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! Loved the different characters. The story was a bit predictable at times, but other than that I enjoyed it a lot. Can't wait for the next.

[Mary A Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divine!

Not in the Cards, by Amy Cissell, is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery, fantasy, paranormal, romance! I just loved every bit of it! Read it straight through. Highly recommend!

[Patricia A Spring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paranormal mystery

A strange cast of characters, most with some type of Oracle abilities. Obvious villain and many started threads. No pages of detailed sex, thank you

[Dessa Bergan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, fun read

This was a quick, fun book to read. I really enjoyed the world building and the quirky characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next book!

[Angel Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read. Reading the second one next.