Force Majeure: Book One in the Lifeward Legacy

by Ashley J. Barner, Jennifer Sanders

At 26, Hulda van Dusen’s life seems to be closing in on her. She’s spent the last five years hiding at home with her beloved Grandpapa, but now he’s gone—and she’s expected to take over, not only the family business, but leadership of the local Assembly of witches. But then things get even worse: Hulda is stuck in the house during a snowstorm with her genius brother, pyromaniac sister, and a very confused police detective, while a monster outside howls for their blood. …And that’s just the beginning. Together, they find themselves thrown into an adventure that might just teach Hulda to live again—if it doesn’t kill her first.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2019

About the author

Ashley J. Barner's recent life story has been one of slowly learning what she wants to do in life, with false starts only leading to more education and self-knowledge.

Ashley grew up in the small town of Shippensburg, PA. Intending to become an English teacher, she studied English, secondary education at Wilson College in Chambersburg PA. At the time, Wilson was still a women's college, and Ashley had four wonderful years there with great friends and great professors, graduating summa cum laude as valedictorian.

It was only when she was student teaching in her final semester that she realized she would rather teach college than high school, and so, after a year of substitute teaching, Ashley went on to get her Master's Degree in English Literature from the University of Delaware, and then her PhD in English Literature from Ohio University. Her first novel Blue Feathers, begun while she was at Wilson College, was published four months after she received her doctorate, by which time her revised dissertation on fanfiction and popular literature had been accepted for publication by McFarland.

Having left teaching, Ashley is now working as a web editor while she spends her free time writing and publishing more novels and hanging out with friends.

Reviews

[Suzanne Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their grandfather had passed away and three three grandchildren, Zohar, the oldest, then Hulda and the youngest Lee, were at the lawyers. Although, they were all given an inheritance, Hulda was bequeathed the family home in Woodfield and her grandfather’s place in the community. Mattie, a police detective was on her way to Woodfield when a snow storm hit and her car faltered, making her stop at their house for help. They hear a sound outside and see something large charging towards the house. Hulda puts up a barrier and they get Matty inside. They announce they are witches. Well for the rest of the story you will have to read it yourself.

This was a wonderful paranormal adventure book the characters are very well described and the narrative is great allowing you to become more familiar with the motivations and emotions the characters have. This results in interesting and complex characters that engage you in the story. The storyline, while easy to read, is action packed, filled with many surprises, twist and obstacles. There is betrayal, romance, emotional drama, fear and many other events packed into this book. It is a unique and creative paranormal adventure, mystery and romance that is worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins at the reading of the heroine’s grandfather’s will. She, her brother, and her sister are all his heirs, each getting a generous stipend from his business. But Hulda receives his house, which she silently understands means that she is to take over his position in the community—running a group of witches! But before things get too far, a storm forces an unlikely group of characters together.

The authors have done an excellent job of creating a cast of quirky characters. I have a hard time choosing which of the van Dusen siblings I like more. They're each distinct and add a unique perspective to the twists and turns of the plot. Parts of this book felt very realistic, but it had a magical overlay that made it so much more than regular day-to-day life. I like how at the end the authors left so much open. What will be the next adventures for this group? I am interested in finding out.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Avid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inventive Magical Murder Mystery

Thanks to the unexpected and rather strange death of her beloved grandfather, Hulda van Dusen is thrust into an unexpected role. Between the hilariously quirky older siblings, friends, foes, a potential love interest and the very real mystery as to whether Jacob van Dusen's death was really as clear cut, Hulda has her work cut out for her. Magic and a series of twists and turns make this a raucous mystery that is impossible to put down. I loved the well-written characters that are far from one-sided, and the quirks of the entire community. Hulda's got her hands full figuring out how to navigate her new role, finding out who wants to hurt her, dealing with romance, betrayal, and well.. who tried to kill her grandfather and why?

This is an action-filled, intriguing murder mystery wrapped in a paranormal community of oddities tied up in the question of "what could possibly happen next?" that will keep you entertained.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Favey_Listens · Rating 5 out of 5]

~*~ Audiobook Review ~*~ Force Majeure is a well-written fantasy centered in a world of magic and mystery with small-town politics thrown in. Hulda is thrust into the center of everything when her grandfather passes away suddenly. Her relationship with her siblings is somewhat estranged, so she finds herself mostly alone with little in the way of support. This story is packed with witches, warlocks, magic creatures, and a dangerous mystery lurking where she does not expect it. Plenty of twists and turns with some great surprises kept me listening straight through to the end while Hulda finds herself and her power and learns who she can trust. Narration by Katie Boothe is well done with good variation between characters and a nice rhythm. I really enjoyed this story written by two authors who work very well together. I would definitely love to have more of this world in audio!

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enchanting and incredibly well written tale of witchcraft, werewolves, friendship, betrayal, sibling rivalry, ptsd, romance, courage, sacrifice, and love. It is going to make a wonderful series, and I can’t wait to read the next adventure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Puzzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Engaging characters and well-written story. The only downside in reading this book *now* is that I have to wait awhile for future stories from this writing team. Will be on the lookout...

[Marné Ream · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soo many lesbian undertones that went nowhere. Truly disappointing. I didn't fine any of these characters particularly likable and they need to grow up a lot. However, the plot was interesting enough that it kept me movin through. Wouldn't recommend per say, but was relatively fun to read anyway.

[Christen Stovall · Rating 5 out of 5]

While urban fantasy is not my preferred genre, I found this book delightful. I'm absolutely in love with Zohar! I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjos urban fantasy!