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A Widow's Tale
A trained killer. One kill list. A world of hurt.
In this novel author Frances Paul introduces a complex and driven young lady determined to uncover the truth surrounding the murders of her parents and to bring to justice the people responsible for the cruel act.
Karina Navarre, a Cuban national lived a life that would be described as anything but easy. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, Karina’s life spiraled out of control—until a former KGB officer agreed to take her under his wing and train her.
Eight years later the girl who has been discarded and forgotten is introduced to the underworld, resilient and ready to take her life back. But when tragedy strikes again, Karina turns into a force to be reckoned with, a woman out for revenge.
Fueled by her grief, Karina sets off on a breathtaking journey of twists and turns, fighting in a world where women are deemed inferior. But she’s determined to avenge the deaths of those she lost, even if that means risking everything including her own life in the process.
Karina Navarre has a list, and she’s crossing off names…one by bloody one.
Thrilling, unpredictable, fast-paced, and powered by a grieved widow’s inexorable sense of duty.
In this novel author Frances Paul introduces a complex and driven young lady determined to uncover the truth surrounding the murders of her parents and to bring to justice the people responsible for the cruel act.
Karina Navarre, a Cuban national lived a life that would be described as anything but easy. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, Karina’s life spiraled out of control—until a former KGB officer agreed to take her under his wing and train her.
Eight years later the girl who has been discarded and forgotten is introduced to the underworld, resilient and ready to take her life back. But when tragedy strikes again, Karina turns into a force to be reckoned with, a woman out for revenge.
Fueled by her grief, Karina sets off on a breathtaking journey of twists and turns, fighting in a world where women are deemed inferior. But she’s determined to avenge the deaths of those she lost, even if that means risking everything including her own life in the process.
Karina Navarre has a list, and she’s crossing off names…one by bloody one.
Thrilling, unpredictable, fast-paced, and powered by a grieved widow’s inexorable sense of duty.
- GenresEbooks
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2020
About the author
Frances Paul
11 books86 followersFrances Paul is an author of emotionally charged, high-stakes fiction that captivates readers with its mix of psychological suspense, romance, and intricate plotting. Her work explores the fine line between love and survival, delving into themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the secrets we keep.
She is the author of Sea of Scars, a moving story of loss and redemption, and The Black Rose, a gripping psychological thriller that draws readers into a world where trust is dangerous and every choice carries lasting consequences.
With a distinctive voice and a cinematic style, Frances creates unforgettable characters and layered narratives that linger long after the final page. Her passion for storytelling comes from a lifelong fascination with the human heart and its capacity to endure even in the darkest of circumstances.
She is the author of Sea of Scars, a moving story of loss and redemption, and The Black Rose, a gripping psychological thriller that draws readers into a world where trust is dangerous and every choice carries lasting consequences.
With a distinctive voice and a cinematic style, Frances creates unforgettable characters and layered narratives that linger long after the final page. Her passion for storytelling comes from a lifelong fascination with the human heart and its capacity to endure even in the darkest of circumstances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
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January 7, 2020Giveaway Win!
June 18, 2020
First of all, I just have to mention this cover. Isn't it intriguing? It sure captured my attention.
And then there was the first chapter. Wow! That sure grabbed my attention too. What a way to start off a story.
Karina is only ten years old when she silently watches as her parents are killed right in front of her. The bad men left her alive..... which was a big mistake on their part. Revenge is what drives this little girl her entire life.
I have to admit that this type of book is not my usual reading material but the cover and the synopsis drew me in. This story kept me engaged until the very end. I'm glad I took a chance on a book that made me take step outside of my comfort zone.
A Widow's Tale is full of intrigue, revenge, evil, and love. Twists and betrayals will definitely keep you turning the pages.
And then there was the first chapter. Wow! That sure grabbed my attention too. What a way to start off a story.
Karina is only ten years old when she silently watches as her parents are killed right in front of her. The bad men left her alive..... which was a big mistake on their part. Revenge is what drives this little girl her entire life.
I have to admit that this type of book is not my usual reading material but the cover and the synopsis drew me in. This story kept me engaged until the very end. I'm glad I took a chance on a book that made me take step outside of my comfort zone.
A Widow's Tale is full of intrigue, revenge, evil, and love. Twists and betrayals will definitely keep you turning the pages.
April 1, 2020
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and EllenMark publications for an advanced review copy of this book prior to publication!
I enjoyed this story, I really did. The book was about Karina Navarre. It opens with her at ten years old watching her parents get brutally killed. Her parents, Carlos and Gloria Navarre are the head of the Navarre cartel. (She was hidden under the couch, where her mother told her to go.) After this tragedy she's raised by Savio, her father's best friend. He sends her away at 16 to train to become an assassin, after realizing that she is hell bent on revenge. She comes back an expert assassin and sniper. The story encompasses all of this and more, culminating in the final avenging of her parents death. Also, I feel it left room for a second book.
As I said, i truly enjoyed this story. Here's why it didn't get 4 stars: it was full of grammatical errors, run on sentences, incomplete sentences, misspelled words, etc. It was really annoying and distracting. It was almost as if the book was originally written in a different language and interpreted badly. Whatever it was, I hope it was corrected prior to publication.
I will definitely look forward to a second book if it comes, or other books by the author.
I enjoyed this story, I really did. The book was about Karina Navarre. It opens with her at ten years old watching her parents get brutally killed. Her parents, Carlos and Gloria Navarre are the head of the Navarre cartel. (She was hidden under the couch, where her mother told her to go.) After this tragedy she's raised by Savio, her father's best friend. He sends her away at 16 to train to become an assassin, after realizing that she is hell bent on revenge. She comes back an expert assassin and sniper. The story encompasses all of this and more, culminating in the final avenging of her parents death. Also, I feel it left room for a second book.
As I said, i truly enjoyed this story. Here's why it didn't get 4 stars: it was full of grammatical errors, run on sentences, incomplete sentences, misspelled words, etc. It was really annoying and distracting. It was almost as if the book was originally written in a different language and interpreted badly. Whatever it was, I hope it was corrected prior to publication.
I will definitely look forward to a second book if it comes, or other books by the author.
January 20, 2020
This was a new to me author.
You really have to concentrate with this book.
Took me awhile to get into, especially when the writing style was almost clinical.
Enjoyed the middle of it though when she grudgingly joint forces.
The ending leaves you feeling bereft and wondering what happens next.
Not your typical romance.
Was really disappointed that I didn't enjoy the book more than I did, especially with such an amazing blurb.
You really have to concentrate with this book.
Took me awhile to get into, especially when the writing style was almost clinical.
Enjoyed the middle of it though when she grudgingly joint forces.
The ending leaves you feeling bereft and wondering what happens next.
Not your typical romance.
Was really disappointed that I didn't enjoy the book more than I did, especially with such an amazing blurb.
January 21, 2020
A Widow's Tale is an intriguing thriller about a female assassin whose grief and training lead her to a world of vengeance.
I found this book to be an interesting, fast-paced read with well-developed characters and a storyline that is well written and intriguing. This story has graphic violence, death, love, suspense, twists and turns, and drama.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I found this book to be an interesting, fast-paced read with well-developed characters and a storyline that is well written and intriguing. This story has graphic violence, death, love, suspense, twists and turns, and drama.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
January 16, 2020
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January 21, 2020
This is the second book I have read by the author and I am at a loss for words. I will caution those with triggers to read the description carefully.
“The king may rule the kingdom, but it’s the queen who moves the board.”
Karina grew up in a world that took her parents too soon and she made it her mission to avenge their deaths. At the tender age of sixteen, she was sent away from her adoptive family to learn all that she would need to know to enact her plan for retribution. Living and learning with Sasha, her teacher and mentor, in isolation honed Karina’s innate ability to gain the clarity she needs. Due to an unforeseen tragedy, Karina is forced back home to assume her rightful place as the head of her father’s organization and deal with an opposing family.
Julian is the head of the Delgado family who is looking to Karina to mend the fences between them after the passing of her husband. The chemistry is incendiary and each one seems to fall for the other but can they establish a true trust? As the Russians enter Karina and Julian’s turf, the two forge a working relationship to deal with the interlopers. The further engrossed Karina gets with the war, the more pieces of her life are coming to the forefront and she realizes that her life has been a lie.
This is one story that reads like a movie as the author creates vivid pictures with her written word. It is raw and real with a gut punch at the end that heightens heart palpitations. The storyline sucks the reader in from its inception and compels one to keep the pages turning. It is filled with drama, betrayal, steam and love which will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. If you enjoy romantic suspense novels then this is one that I highly recommend one clicking!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
“The king may rule the kingdom, but it’s the queen who moves the board.”
Karina grew up in a world that took her parents too soon and she made it her mission to avenge their deaths. At the tender age of sixteen, she was sent away from her adoptive family to learn all that she would need to know to enact her plan for retribution. Living and learning with Sasha, her teacher and mentor, in isolation honed Karina’s innate ability to gain the clarity she needs. Due to an unforeseen tragedy, Karina is forced back home to assume her rightful place as the head of her father’s organization and deal with an opposing family.
Julian is the head of the Delgado family who is looking to Karina to mend the fences between them after the passing of her husband. The chemistry is incendiary and each one seems to fall for the other but can they establish a true trust? As the Russians enter Karina and Julian’s turf, the two forge a working relationship to deal with the interlopers. The further engrossed Karina gets with the war, the more pieces of her life are coming to the forefront and she realizes that her life has been a lie.
This is one story that reads like a movie as the author creates vivid pictures with her written word. It is raw and real with a gut punch at the end that heightens heart palpitations. The storyline sucks the reader in from its inception and compels one to keep the pages turning. It is filled with drama, betrayal, steam and love which will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. If you enjoy romantic suspense novels then this is one that I highly recommend one clicking!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2020
This book was spectacular! I enjoyed it from the very first page to the last! I cannot wait for more to come from Frances Paul!
January 27, 2020
The awe that I feel for the brilliant Frances Paul's stories just keeps on growing. A Widow's Tale was straight up EPIC! It's the story of Karina, who witnessed the death of her parents, and led to her having her own kill list by 16 years old. Now I know that it's probably extreme, and yet, I can't help respect her list to be honest. It probably makes me insane, but it is what it is at the end of the day. Anyway, at 16, she pulled off something crazy, leading to her being sent away for some more specialized training, and it's only through more tragedy that she ends up coming home to take her place as head of the Navarre Organization. Obviously, it means that her kill list just got longer, and again, respect from this crazy woman all over the place. Life takes a crazier turn when Julian & she come face to face. He's the head of the Delgado organization, and I won't tell you more about him. They have some serious chemistry shooting sparks everywhere, but Karina isn't quite inclined to explore it when there's so many to kill. It gets even crazier as big time war with the Russians is at hand, so everyone has to unite to survive & conquer. Of course, this story is filled with f-bomb worthy twists & turns which kept me on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out things on my own. Hint; I never really did to be honest, and that makes A Widow's Tale the ultimate story of brilliance in my opinion. Don't take my word for it, hit that one click button to experience all this amazing goodness for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
January 16, 2020
Wow! Reading Widow's Tales I could visualize the scenes. Like a movie!
After witnessing the death of her parents, as a young child, in the hands of her Uncle Tomas, Karina's world was filled with hate and revenge. She has a kill list.
At sixteen she did the unthinkable which forced her adopted father to send her away for training. Sasha would become her mentor and confidant for the next eight years.
When tragedy strikes home Karina is forced to take her birthright to lead the Navarre's organisation. Now her kill lists grows.
Julian is head if the Delgado organization. Being the only son to Tomas. When Julian meets with Karina there is a strong chemistry between the two enemies.
There is a war with the Russians. The Navarre and Delgado organizations must work together.
As pieces of the puzzles starts to fall in place, Karina discovers that her entire life was a lie.
A Widow's Tale will captivate you from the very beginning sending you on a whirlwind ride of your life as this beautiful, strong assassin takes pleasure in getting her revenge. The ending broke my heart.
I strongly recommend this book!!
After witnessing the death of her parents, as a young child, in the hands of her Uncle Tomas, Karina's world was filled with hate and revenge. She has a kill list.
At sixteen she did the unthinkable which forced her adopted father to send her away for training. Sasha would become her mentor and confidant for the next eight years.
When tragedy strikes home Karina is forced to take her birthright to lead the Navarre's organisation. Now her kill lists grows.
Julian is head if the Delgado organization. Being the only son to Tomas. When Julian meets with Karina there is a strong chemistry between the two enemies.
There is a war with the Russians. The Navarre and Delgado organizations must work together.
As pieces of the puzzles starts to fall in place, Karina discovers that her entire life was a lie.
A Widow's Tale will captivate you from the very beginning sending you on a whirlwind ride of your life as this beautiful, strong assassin takes pleasure in getting her revenge. The ending broke my heart.
I strongly recommend this book!!
January 19, 2020
Wow! I loved this book. It’s a phenomenally written thriller with outstanding characters and an extraordinary storyline. I was engrossed in this action packed page turner from the very first chapter. Karina and the rest of the characters kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time in this mind blowing story full of betrayal, secrets, lies, deceit, leverage, loyalty, family, friends, love and so much more.
Life as she knew it was ripped away from her when she was 10 - every step she takes after that moment is all in the name of revenge. She will not stop until she succeeds and accomplished ruining the lives of all who ruined her own.
Widow’s Tale is an absolute Must Read and my favorite book of 2020! Highly recommended!
Life as she knew it was ripped away from her when she was 10 - every step she takes after that moment is all in the name of revenge. She will not stop until she succeeds and accomplished ruining the lives of all who ruined her own.
Widow’s Tale is an absolute Must Read and my favorite book of 2020! Highly recommended!
February 28, 2020
WOW! A gripping page turner that you find hard to put down. The author has written the story so well it captivates you from start to finish. Karina has a mission to find those who killed her parents and make them pay. An emotional roller coaster of a story at times as she deals with loss, tragedy, and grief and seeks revenge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2020
This is a complex and well written tale which is an emotional roller coaster journey, as well as heart-breaking, thrilling, unpredictable, action packed, and dealing with loss, grief, revenge, and with twists which all had me intrigued and hooked throughout. I recommend for all.
January 27, 2020
Frances Paul rocked my world!!! This book grabbed me from the very beginning and didn’t let go until the end!!! Kudos, Frances Paul, this book is a brilliant portrayal of what an amazing author you are!!!!!
November 21, 2025
Marvelous reading.
Fast passed with tremendous characters that go beyond the boundaries. The plot was full of twists that made for interesting reading. This book picks up your interest and will not let you put it down.
Fast passed with tremendous characters that go beyond the boundaries. The plot was full of twists that made for interesting reading. This book picks up your interest and will not let you put it down.
November 23, 2025
Wow!
This book was so good. I loved the pot. I love the characters. I loved everything about this. It was a real page Turner. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next because it was so engaging.
This book was so good. I loved the pot. I love the characters. I loved everything about this. It was a real page Turner. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next because it was so engaging.
January 1, 2020
This book is an emotional roller coaster to say the least. I was surprised at how it ended !! I recommend this book to all .The author did a bang up job with the twists and turns and unexpected ending .
January 8, 2020
4 1/2 stars. I won this book with the giveaway. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book. The ending through me—but I knew it had to be done. Recommend this thriller/romance!
January 17, 2020
This book was a different genre from what I normally read. I`m glad I read it. It is fast-paced and well written. The violence is graphic. The author immerses you with great detail and graphics that feed your imagination. I especially liked that the main character was a female assassin and you see this story through her perspective.
I won this book through a Good Reads giveaway.
I won this book through a Good Reads giveaway.
January 25, 2020
This story had its ups and downs. Karina was a driven woman and became the best in a man's world. She was ruthless and smart. Her heartbreak at losing her parents was the driving force behind all she did. There were times when I felt that the story was too drawn out and other moments when I kept turning pages to see what was next. It is a gritty tale with a lot of violence, yet scenes of tenderness.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
January 29, 2020
Such a well-written book! It was so exciting to read, it was hard to stop reading. I kept wondering what was next!
November 17, 2025
A Widow’s Tale
Even though 468 pages I was able to read in a day and a half. This was truly an amazing read. It was part to put it down to even go to sleep. Absolutely excellent.
Even though 468 pages I was able to read in a day and a half. This was truly an amazing read. It was part to put it down to even go to sleep. Absolutely excellent.
January 11, 2020
This was a very interesting and entertaining book. This book just grabs your attention and keeps it throughout the book. It starts of fast, at the very beginning of the story, and keeps you reading to find out what happens. You can picture everything taking place as you read, which adds to the experience.
March 25, 2020
The Boss - Karina!!
Action from chapter one, right through to the end! Frances Paul, you are a rock star!! I absolutely fell for this story.
Karina saw her parents killed at a very young age and she made a vow to seek revenge on any person involved. This vow has ruled her life and made her a success in her male-dominated career and her life.
Looking for more Frances Paul books to read now.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Entertaining, Page-turner, Unpredictable
Action from chapter one, right through to the end! Frances Paul, you are a rock star!! I absolutely fell for this story.
Karina saw her parents killed at a very young age and she made a vow to seek revenge on any person involved. This vow has ruled her life and made her a success in her male-dominated career and her life.
Looking for more Frances Paul books to read now.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed, Entertaining, Page-turner, Unpredictable
January 21, 2020
This book captivated me from beginning to end. It would make a great movie or television series. Karina and her need for revenge trumps everything. I could not believe the ending! Love this book!
March 10, 2020
new to this author, great cover. it's in KU. it has been out since January 2020. i love mystery reads. well thought out. great characters. had me curious. i hope more will read it ... i was surprised. shocked at times, no secrets revealed i want u 2 be curious and excited to check it out!! go on ...
February 29, 2020
Warning Graphic Violence: Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the ARC. My review opinion is my own. With the exception of the graphic violence which I skipped over, this is a strong thriller with a theme of vengeance and revenge. The plot is driven by the main charcters revenge over the killing of her family and she develops into a top assassin over the years. I loved her charcter development and the well crafted story. This is a page turner that will keep you up into the night..
February 27, 2020
This story was addicting. It kept me on edge and flying though the pages! I felt a lot of emotions throughout this story. Even shed a few tears.
January 19, 2020
[I recieved a copy from the author]
A good story and plot, but some grammatical/punctuation errors that at times detracted me from the story, especially when trying to keep up with who was saying what during conversations. Overall, though, not a bad read. Not the kind of story I'd typically gravitate towards and I didn't really connect deeply with any of the characters, but I still enjoyed it. Drug wars, murder, revenge. A long, descriptive story with some twists I bet you wont see coming. Worth the read, just not my usual read.
A good story and plot, but some grammatical/punctuation errors that at times detracted me from the story, especially when trying to keep up with who was saying what during conversations. Overall, though, not a bad read. Not the kind of story I'd typically gravitate towards and I didn't really connect deeply with any of the characters, but I still enjoyed it. Drug wars, murder, revenge. A long, descriptive story with some twists I bet you wont see coming. Worth the read, just not my usual read.
February 4, 2020
Wow. What an introduction to a talented author. Already on my list to read more of her books. The plot and character development are original and intriguing; a challenge for this genre of story. I read every day that I can and find fewer books where I am lost in the captivating story. I do not care for “message” or “opinions formed for me” books, and this book tried to do neither. I will leave descriptions of the actual plot for readers to discover as they explore - I dont see anything in the story line negative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews