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Some of It Was Real
"A psychic who isn't sure she believes in herself and a skeptic journalist with one last chance at redemption are brought together by secrets from the past that also threaten to tear them apart. Psychic-medium Sylvie Young starts every show with her origin story, telling the audience how she discovered her abilities. But she leaves out a lot--the plane crash that killed her parents when she was four, the estranged adoptive parents who tend orchards in rainy Oregon, and the fact that she researches her clients on social media so she can be sure to make at least some accurate predictions. After a catastrophic reporting error, Thomas Holmes' next story at the LA Times may be his last, and he's got a great personal pitch. His mother was nearly bankrupted by "grief vampires" like Sylvie after a tragic accident, and he's dead set on using his last chance article to expose her for the conniving liar he's convinced she is. But the secrets Sylvie and Thomas are keeping from each other are nothing compared to the secrets they are keeping from themselves. Almost all of Sylvie's origin story is a lie, even the parts she never tells. Searching for the truth about her past might destroy them both--or it might be the only way to find out what is real"--
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2022
121 people are currently reading
19336 people want to read
About the author
Nan Fischer
14 books424 followersWelcome to my author page!
Here’s a bit about my books...
Novels under the name Nan Fischer:
The Book of Silver Linings (Berkley Publishing, August 15, 2023)
Some Of It Was Real (Berkley Publishing)
Novels under the name Nancy Richardson Fischer:
The Speed of Falling Objects (HarperCollins/Inkyard Press).
When Elephants Fly (HarperCollin/Inkyard Press.
Novels under the name Nancy Richardson:
Middle Grade:
Junior Jedi Knights Trilogy for LucasFilm (Berkeley Press).
Sport Autobiographies:
Feel No Fear, The Power, Passion and Politics of a Life in Gymnastics (Hyperion).
Riding For My Life (LIttle Brown)
Monica: From Fear to Victory (HarperCollins)
A Journey: The Autobiography of Apolo Anton Ohno (Simon & Schuster)
Nadia Comaneci: Letters to a Young Gymnast (Basic Books)
Winning Every Day with Shannon Miller (Bantam Books).
If you'd like to learn more about my novels, events, or sign up for my newsletter, please visit www.nancyrichardsonfischer.com
Here’s a bit about my books...
Novels under the name Nan Fischer:
The Book of Silver Linings (Berkley Publishing, August 15, 2023)
Some Of It Was Real (Berkley Publishing)
Novels under the name Nancy Richardson Fischer:
The Speed of Falling Objects (HarperCollins/Inkyard Press).
When Elephants Fly (HarperCollin/Inkyard Press.
Novels under the name Nancy Richardson:
Middle Grade:
Junior Jedi Knights Trilogy for LucasFilm (Berkeley Press).
Sport Autobiographies:
Feel No Fear, The Power, Passion and Politics of a Life in Gymnastics (Hyperion).
Riding For My Life (LIttle Brown)
Monica: From Fear to Victory (HarperCollins)
A Journey: The Autobiography of Apolo Anton Ohno (Simon & Schuster)
Nadia Comaneci: Letters to a Young Gymnast (Basic Books)
Winning Every Day with Shannon Miller (Bantam Books).
If you'd like to learn more about my novels, events, or sign up for my newsletter, please visit www.nancyrichardsonfischer.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 609 reviews
August 22, 2022
i’m in awe omgggg…i thought that i had read everything there is in contemporary romance, that each story can be compared to another similar one…no not this one. this stands on it’s own. it’s original (comparing to what i’ve read in the past) fresh, and like no other.
this book follows Sylvie who’s a psychic medium and Thomas who’s a journalist. Thomas believes Sylvie is a fraud and so Sylvie takes him on a journey to her past to prove that she isn’t while discovering unknown things about herself, adoption, and birth parents. it has forced proximity and a little bit of fake dating but all is done in a “non trope” sense. meaning that, yes these tropes play out but the writing is so good, you forget it happens or don’t pay much attention to it because it happens so naturally.
this book follows very polar opposite characters that find solace in the connections they make through out the story. this is NOT your typical cutesy rom-com. NO this is LITERATURE!! this is ART that had me crying only 50 pages in. both of the main characters are mirrorball characters (yes that’s a Taylor swift reference) that i fell in love with separately and together. this story includes a mystery, a love story, and character development like I’ve never read before.
these characters fall in love so naturally yet so powerfully. there were so many times i felt it would end horribly for both of them. the story was edging me on this happy ending and i think that’s a job well done. this story read more like women’s fiction then contemporary romance and it worked so well.
this book is addictive from the start, impossible to put down, and downright a masterpiece. the writing and plot is so very very very good, it needs a reward or some shit
this book follows Sylvie who’s a psychic medium and Thomas who’s a journalist. Thomas believes Sylvie is a fraud and so Sylvie takes him on a journey to her past to prove that she isn’t while discovering unknown things about herself, adoption, and birth parents. it has forced proximity and a little bit of fake dating but all is done in a “non trope” sense. meaning that, yes these tropes play out but the writing is so good, you forget it happens or don’t pay much attention to it because it happens so naturally.
this book follows very polar opposite characters that find solace in the connections they make through out the story. this is NOT your typical cutesy rom-com. NO this is LITERATURE!! this is ART that had me crying only 50 pages in. both of the main characters are mirrorball characters (yes that’s a Taylor swift reference) that i fell in love with separately and together. this story includes a mystery, a love story, and character development like I’ve never read before.
these characters fall in love so naturally yet so powerfully. there were so many times i felt it would end horribly for both of them. the story was edging me on this happy ending and i think that’s a job well done. this story read more like women’s fiction then contemporary romance and it worked so well.
this book is addictive from the start, impossible to put down, and downright a masterpiece. the writing and plot is so very very very good, it needs a reward or some shit
August 22, 2022
This book is incredible! I’m honestly asking myself: why it took so long for me to read one of the brilliant works of the author!
Psychic-medium Sylvia Young thinks she has special gift to connect with the spirits. She’s only 24 years old, youngest raising star who is about to sign a contract for her own TV show. The tickets of her special performances at theaters are sold out! She touches lives, helping the grieving people have their closures but Sylvia suffers from nightmares connected with a red door: she is afraid of pushing it ajar because the things she may see can change her entire life.
She never dug out more about her biological parents who died in the plane crash and she never confront with her foster parents who never approve of the line of business she chose.
When she meets with Thomas Holmes: hotshot LA Times reporter who is determined to fix his tarnished reputation and also adamant to ruin her career, she has to gather her courage to confront with her past!
Thomas thinks Sylvia is fraud and he will do everything in his power to prove it by joining Sylvia for a road trip including meeting with her foster parents and social workers who know more about her childhood.
This book is high tension cat-mouse game. Both parties try to manipulate each other to rest their own case.
Sylvia tries to prove him: she can speak with death as Thomas tries to prove she’s a grief vampire who is getting advantage of people missing loved ones!
Does Sylvia have a true gift or is she pathological liar who is gaslighting people to survive? Why Thomas is specifically targeting him? What is he holding back about his past?
I loved her two broken people connected to confront with their own demons and learn the ugly truths about their own pasts? I also loved blowing romance between them!
The unfolding of big mystery was truly jaw dropping and heart wrenching. I didn’t see it coming! It hit me too hard!
Overall: this book was gripping mystery, emotional fiction, sentimental fantasy and lovely romance!
That was one of the best books of the year! I cannot wait to read more Nancy Richardson Fischer books in near future!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Psychic-medium Sylvia Young thinks she has special gift to connect with the spirits. She’s only 24 years old, youngest raising star who is about to sign a contract for her own TV show. The tickets of her special performances at theaters are sold out! She touches lives, helping the grieving people have their closures but Sylvia suffers from nightmares connected with a red door: she is afraid of pushing it ajar because the things she may see can change her entire life.
She never dug out more about her biological parents who died in the plane crash and she never confront with her foster parents who never approve of the line of business she chose.
When she meets with Thomas Holmes: hotshot LA Times reporter who is determined to fix his tarnished reputation and also adamant to ruin her career, she has to gather her courage to confront with her past!
Thomas thinks Sylvia is fraud and he will do everything in his power to prove it by joining Sylvia for a road trip including meeting with her foster parents and social workers who know more about her childhood.
This book is high tension cat-mouse game. Both parties try to manipulate each other to rest their own case.
Sylvia tries to prove him: she can speak with death as Thomas tries to prove she’s a grief vampire who is getting advantage of people missing loved ones!
Does Sylvia have a true gift or is she pathological liar who is gaslighting people to survive? Why Thomas is specifically targeting him? What is he holding back about his past?
I loved her two broken people connected to confront with their own demons and learn the ugly truths about their own pasts? I also loved blowing romance between them!
The unfolding of big mystery was truly jaw dropping and heart wrenching. I didn’t see it coming! It hit me too hard!
Overall: this book was gripping mystery, emotional fiction, sentimental fantasy and lovely romance!
That was one of the best books of the year! I cannot wait to read more Nancy Richardson Fischer books in near future!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
September 1, 2022
Today an image slips through the carefully constructed peace . . .--------------------------------------
Pale sand beneath my feet, a blue-green ocean, foam nibbling at my bare toes. Behind me, a castle—ornate turrets dotted with pale pink shells, a drawbridge made from delicately curved driftwood, beneath it, a moat where tiny paper boats rock in the breeze. A wave gathers on the horizon. It grows taller and white horses gallop across its face. When the wall of salt water strikes, the castle will be destroyed and with it a treasure, something precious . . .
The vision disintegrates. Ghostly lips brush my cheek. I know what’s coming next. A whisper I’ve heard intermittently my entire life.
“It’s important you understand that I don’t have a clear definition for what I do. Psychics use their intuition or spiritual guides to gain information about the past, present, or future. Mediums are channels that deliver messages from those who have passed over. I’ve been called a psychic-medium, and that’s as good a definition as any. But the truth is that I’m not sure why I hear voices, see images, sing at times, or scribble notes—it just happens and I can’t tell you how because I truly don’t understand it.”Sylvie Young has just gotten a TV deal, the product of a successful run of live stage performances and a top-tier agent. Life is good, and about to get better. Sylvie’s shows are of the psychic sort. Select audience members, offer a connection to a lost one, solve some riddles, answer some unanswered questions, and mostly, offer comfort. Syl is very good at this. But not all of her connections are of the psychic sort.
Nan Fischer - image from her site
Thomas Holmes is a cynical reporter on a mission. For personal reasons, Holmes believes that all psychics are fakers. It is elementary. His current project is to profile several psychic-mediums, intending to expose their chicanery and, if at all possible, destroy their careers. Which is something he knows a bit about. His own career in journalism has suffered some major blows, to the point where this major takedown piece may be his last chance to salvage his own career.
Both are struggling to deal with their origin stories (Sylvie even opens her shows by telling hers, at least what she knows of it) and their self doubts. Sylvie’s arc is a quest to find out what really happened to her biological parents, explain why she is beset by nightmares of a particular sort, and maybe discover where she acquired her very real personal talent. But is it real, really? Thomas suffered a trauma in his youth that has defined his life. Until he can confront that, the life he has made for himself will never be a proper fit. This is the true core of what Nan Fischer is writing about.
One of the seeds that started this novel with my fascination with imposter syndrome—the inability to believe one’s success has been legitimately achieved or deserved. I wanted to create a character, Sylvie, on the cusp of achieving great success but who doesn’t quite believe she deserves it. I made Sylvie a psychic as that gift is controversial—the perfect job for someone doubting her abilities due to all the critics! - from Hey It’s Carly Rae interviewThomas has run into some dead ends digging into her past. There are no records of her parents’ supposed plane crash deaths when she was four. He wants her help to dig into this further. She has an interest, as it is a mystery to her as well. And if she can prove to him that she is not a grief vampire, he will drop her from his story. Of course, he expects he will never have to make good on that, as psychic powers are all BS, right? And the game is afoot.
the stories we tell from childhood that have shaped who we are – are based on old and sometimes faulty memories. It’s up to each of us to decide what to accept or discard from our origin stories and to decide who we ultimately want to be in life. - from the Jean Book Nerd interviewMany of the curtains Sylvie needs to part were placed there by others. Thomas erected his barriers to self-knowledge himself. Part of their interaction is Syl challenging Thomas to look deeper into the sources of his own demons, as Thomas challenges Sylvie to examine the ethics of how she is making her living. ("What was the fair lady's game? What did she really want?" - Sherlock Holmes in The Second Stain)
As one might expect from a book categorized as romance, these two develop an attraction. That complicates matters. How can a journalist write an objective piece about someone with whom he is romantically engaged? He may be trying to take her down, but she is also looking for ways to manipulate him into a more benign view of her and her work. The cynic vs psychic dynamic is entertaining for a while, but Thomas’s relentless disregard of evidence gets a bit old. Really, dude? Still?
Fischer gives us a particularly interesting look at the profession of psychic-medium, offering a perspective that elevates it beyond being merely a connection to another side, whether real or faked. She connects it to something greater.
The structure is alternating chapters, his and hers, both first-person narratives. The voices are effectively different. It is a cat-and-mouse competition, although it could easily be a cat-and-dog one. Sylvie’s constant companion is a very large Great Dane, and Thomas travels with an elderly feline. (Fischer even manages to give her own dog, Boone, a cameo) He keeps trying to find holes in her schtick. She keeps trying to move him beyond the purely factual. Another Holmes might say when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth, but Thomas clings to his biases tenaciously.
I was not all that taken in by their supposed attraction, never quite bought it, and wanted the sex scenes to be over quickly. But I did enjoy their mutual interest in helping each other out. I also had trouble with Sylvie’s relationship with her parents, who seemed far more reluctant to share information with their daughter than seemed reasonable, particularly considering that she is a grown-ass woman when she is pleading for intel about her past, intel that they have. Their rejection of her seemed unnatural, very un-parental.
What keeps the story moving along is a steady stream of interesting clues and the pair’s ingenuity on following up on them. There are some pretty nifty twists. It is fun tagging along on the procedural, mystery-solving element of the story. Overall, Some of It May Be Real is an engaging story, a mystery, wrapped in a bit of fantasy, a quest of self-discovery featuring an ongoing cynic-psychic battle, as both Sylvie and Thomas dig into their origins as a way to confront their demons and feelings of inauthenticity. It offers some intrigue, some chills and some very real tears. It is authentically entertaining.
What surprised me most about writing Some Of It Was Real was that I thought my research would lead me to a conclusion about what I believe. I watched documentaries, movies, and TV shows about psychics, clairvoyants and mediums and read studies and articles written by individuals whose goals are to prove the supernatural is a hoax. But in the end, the only real conclusion I drew was that some of it might be real. - from Thoughts From a Page Podcast
Review posted – August 26, 2022
Publication date – July 28, 2022
I received an ARE of Some of It Was Real from Berkley in return for a fair review. Wait, does the number four have any particular meaning for you? I am also seeing something shiny. Sparkles, maybe? No, stars. Yes, definitely stars. Thanks, folks.
This review has been cross-posted on my site, Coot’s Reviews. Stop by and say Hi!
=============================EXTRA STUFF
Links to the author’s personal, Instagram, GR, and Twitter pages
Profile - from her site
Nan Fischer is the author of Some Of It Was Real (July 2022, Berkley Publishing), and the young adult novels, When Elephants Fly and The Speed of Falling Objects. Additional author credits include Junior Jedi Knights, a middle grade Star Wars trilogy for LucasFilm, and co-authored sport autobiographies for elite athletes including #1 ranked tennis superstar Monica Seles, Triple Crown race winning jockey Julie Krone, Olympic gold medal speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, legendary gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi, and Olympic gold medal gymnasts Nadia Comaneci and Shannon Miller.Her prior work was published under the names Nancy Richardson Fischer, Nancy Richardson, and Nancy Ann Richardson. Some of it was Real is her first book under the name Nan Fischer.
Interviews
-----Jean Book Nerd - Nan Fischer Interview - Some of It Was Real
-----Hey, It’s Carly Rae - Author Interview with Nan Fischer
-----Writers Digest - Nan Fischer: On Overcoming Imposter Syndrome by Robert Lee Brewer
-----Thoughts from a Page - Q & A with Nan Fischer, Author of SOME OF IT WAS REAL by Cindy Burnett
-----BookBrowse - An interview with Nan Fischer
with Katie Noah Gibson
Items of Interest
-----Gutenberg – full text of The Man Without a Country by Edward E. Hale – referenced in Chapter 19
-----The Poe Museum – full text of The Cask of Amontillado - by Edgar Allan Poe - referenced in Chapter 21
August 10, 2023
Enjoyed this story about a psychic (or is she?) and her quest to uncover her past while a journalist is trying to prove she is a fraud. A bit of mystery, a bit of romance, an intriguing story overall.
Sylvie is a psychic who is quickly gaining a following. She always seems to know exactly what the person she is talking to wants to hear. At one of her shows, she takes a man up on stage and gives him a reading, but afterwards she finds out he is a reporter and that he planted his false backstory online in order to show that she is a fake. Thomas calls her a "grief vampire" and has an agenda to write a tell-all story about her. Sylvie knows that some of what she tells people is real and wants to prove that she is actually a psychic. But there are things about her past that are unclear and Thomas begins to develop feelings for her as they search for the truth.
This book is interesting as it is surprisingly more deep and meaningful than I was expecting. Yes, there's some steamy romance, and yes, there's the mystery of Sylvie's past that is uncovered bit by bit. Yet I was touched and grew to really care about the characters and their growth as people throughout the book. As much as I was rooting for Sylvie to prove herself to Thomas, I was also rooting for him to be successful as well. Do I believe psychics are real? Not really, but it sure makes for an intriguing concept for a book.
A bit of a warning: there's an animal death and it's downright sad. It's not gratuitous or violent, but it did make me cry so keep your tissues handy.
Lovely book, I'm very glad I read it and hope you will too!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Sylvie is a psychic who is quickly gaining a following. She always seems to know exactly what the person she is talking to wants to hear. At one of her shows, she takes a man up on stage and gives him a reading, but afterwards she finds out he is a reporter and that he planted his false backstory online in order to show that she is a fake. Thomas calls her a "grief vampire" and has an agenda to write a tell-all story about her. Sylvie knows that some of what she tells people is real and wants to prove that she is actually a psychic. But there are things about her past that are unclear and Thomas begins to develop feelings for her as they search for the truth.
This book is interesting as it is surprisingly more deep and meaningful than I was expecting. Yes, there's some steamy romance, and yes, there's the mystery of Sylvie's past that is uncovered bit by bit. Yet I was touched and grew to really care about the characters and their growth as people throughout the book. As much as I was rooting for Sylvie to prove herself to Thomas, I was also rooting for him to be successful as well. Do I believe psychics are real? Not really, but it sure makes for an intriguing concept for a book.
A bit of a warning: there's an animal death and it's downright sad. It's not gratuitous or violent, but it did make me cry so keep your tissues handy.
Lovely book, I'm very glad I read it and hope you will too!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
September 26, 2022
5 stars
ARC Provided by Berkley Publishing Group.
Holy wow—this is a page-turner!
Mysterious, deep, moving, and with so much substance. This book was entertaining but real, in the aspects of many relatable subjects touching on different types of trauma and growth. This is definitely not just a romance—it gives much more!
Sylvie Young is a 24-year-old, up-and-coming psychic medium about to blast into stardom through a TV contract. However, she isn't completely transparent with her connections during her sold-out shows, as she struggles with knowing whether she is the real deal or a fraud. Yet—there are things she just can't explain.
Thomas Holmes is an LA Times reporter determined to precede his past reporting failures by writing an article exposing psychic mediums for the con artists they are. He doesn't believe in them and always finds a way to explain the circumstances away. Sylvie is one of those people he is after. Setting her up and giving her an ultimatum—dig up her sealed and locked away past and prove herself the real deal, or the article gets published with his evidence from the setup and her shot at fame and ultimately her career, smothered.
We follow the two on a road trip to uncover the past, face head-on uncomfortable situations, and emotion-inducing scenarios along with both of their animal companions. But don't be fooled, many things are swept under the rug that neither Sylvie nor Thomas know about but they are firm in figuring out.
ARC Provided by Berkley Publishing Group.
Holy wow—this is a page-turner!
Mysterious, deep, moving, and with so much substance. This book was entertaining but real, in the aspects of many relatable subjects touching on different types of trauma and growth. This is definitely not just a romance—it gives much more!
Sylvie Young is a 24-year-old, up-and-coming psychic medium about to blast into stardom through a TV contract. However, she isn't completely transparent with her connections during her sold-out shows, as she struggles with knowing whether she is the real deal or a fraud. Yet—there are things she just can't explain.
Thomas Holmes is an LA Times reporter determined to precede his past reporting failures by writing an article exposing psychic mediums for the con artists they are. He doesn't believe in them and always finds a way to explain the circumstances away. Sylvie is one of those people he is after. Setting her up and giving her an ultimatum—dig up her sealed and locked away past and prove herself the real deal, or the article gets published with his evidence from the setup and her shot at fame and ultimately her career, smothered.
We follow the two on a road trip to uncover the past, face head-on uncomfortable situations, and emotion-inducing scenarios along with both of their animal companions. But don't be fooled, many things are swept under the rug that neither Sylvie nor Thomas know about but they are firm in figuring out.
September 11, 2022
I very much enjoyed this story a sure five star ⭐️
July 3, 2023
I feel a bit conflicted about the book, because it certainly had points that I liked, but I cannot help feeling how farfetched the whole story is. It is not about Sylvie being a psychic-medium, but the fact that this started as a competition between her and Thomas, a logical journalist, and it ended up as a self-discovery journey.
While I appreciate how things were portrayed and having 2 adults that know how to get what they want sped up the story in a good way, a lot of things felt very sudden. Who thinks bringing a journalist to your estranged parents of 6 years or so is a good idea to sway him to your side? If she was looking for an excuse to go home with company, this was just a very desperate move on her part. Sure, sad childhood and all, but still.
Of course, everything spirals down from there with Sylvie going deeper into her own past, which snowballs Thomas to also face his own childhood trauma. It's just that the story had some convenient turn of events to accommodate such shift in the story for no other reason than give them closure. It just makes me a tad sad this was not more focused on her job as it seemed it would be.
However, despite this shift, the book contains some well-done build-up and various characters with their own convictions. The writing flows very naturally, so even in my disappointment, I never really felt bored or taken out of the story. You see both main characters' points of view, which complement each other just like the characters themselves.
There is obvious chemistry between Sylvie and Thomas, which is usually what drives the story, because one way or another they want to do something to each other, which ends up being helpful, seemingly for their personal cause.
An interesting book nonetheless, which can hit you right in the feels if you relate to the characters, which I didn't, unfortunately.
While I appreciate how things were portrayed and having 2 adults that know how to get what they want sped up the story in a good way, a lot of things felt very sudden. Who thinks bringing a journalist to your estranged parents of 6 years or so is a good idea to sway him to your side? If she was looking for an excuse to go home with company, this was just a very desperate move on her part. Sure, sad childhood and all, but still.
Of course, everything spirals down from there with Sylvie going deeper into her own past, which snowballs Thomas to also face his own childhood trauma. It's just that the story had some convenient turn of events to accommodate such shift in the story for no other reason than give them closure. It just makes me a tad sad this was not more focused on her job as it seemed it would be.
However, despite this shift, the book contains some well-done build-up and various characters with their own convictions. The writing flows very naturally, so even in my disappointment, I never really felt bored or taken out of the story. You see both main characters' points of view, which complement each other just like the characters themselves.
There is obvious chemistry between Sylvie and Thomas, which is usually what drives the story, because one way or another they want to do something to each other, which ends up being helpful, seemingly for their personal cause.
An interesting book nonetheless, which can hit you right in the feels if you relate to the characters, which I didn't, unfortunately.
July 19, 2022
Review coming soon.
July 28, 2022
Honestly, I could write a long, in-depth review of this book because there's a lot to say, but I don't want to give it that much space. Usually, when a book disturbs me this much, I'll simply omit it from my public reviews. However, in this case, I do feel a responsibility to say something because both the story and the book, as a thing that is coming out into the world, are concerning, and I don't want anyone to mistake this for something harmless.
Some of It Was Real is baffling and alarming. The author has clearly done her research and understands the murky world of psychics and mediums who promise grieving people a chance at connecting with lost loved ones. The problem is she seems fine with it — or at least with presenting a rosy version of it in fiction. Instead of seriously engaging with the ethical dangers or even attempting to balance healthy skepticism with an open mind, the author fully commits to the idea that her (anti)heroine is the genuine article and doing something good in the world — even when the protagonist herself admits that she fakes psychic connections as often as she makes "real" ones. The result is a bizarrely "feel-good" story about a young woman overcoming (but not seeking actual therapy for!) her traumatic past to embrace her calling as a psychic-medium, enthralling even her biggest skeptic along the way. This approach not only saps any compelling tension from the plot but is also disturbingly close to full endorsement of the "grief vampires" that are existing, manipulating, and thriving in our society. I believe we should leave room for wonder and admit there are things — maybe even supernatural things — that science can't explain, but we still need to be responsible about how we explore those questions, especially when the story is not fantasy but firmly rooted in our real world and how it operates. But this book is not interested in engaging with complexity or even uncertainty, which is a shame because the setup is fantastic and could have been something great. However, the casual whitewashing holds it back as a literary work and also reveals a lack of awareness about what it's contributing to the real-world narrative. At best, Some of it was Real is a cheap spiritualist fairy tale. At worst, it's an irresponsible handling of a delicate subject, with concerning implications related to fraud, manipulation, and mental health issues.
My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Some of It Was Real is baffling and alarming. The author has clearly done her research and understands the murky world of psychics and mediums who promise grieving people a chance at connecting with lost loved ones. The problem is she seems fine with it — or at least with presenting a rosy version of it in fiction. Instead of seriously engaging with the ethical dangers or even attempting to balance healthy skepticism with an open mind, the author fully commits to the idea that her (anti)heroine is the genuine article and doing something good in the world — even when the protagonist herself admits that she fakes psychic connections as often as she makes "real" ones. The result is a bizarrely "feel-good" story about a young woman overcoming (but not seeking actual therapy for!) her traumatic past to embrace her calling as a psychic-medium, enthralling even her biggest skeptic along the way. This approach not only saps any compelling tension from the plot but is also disturbingly close to full endorsement of the "grief vampires" that are existing, manipulating, and thriving in our society. I believe we should leave room for wonder and admit there are things — maybe even supernatural things — that science can't explain, but we still need to be responsible about how we explore those questions, especially when the story is not fantasy but firmly rooted in our real world and how it operates. But this book is not interested in engaging with complexity or even uncertainty, which is a shame because the setup is fantastic and could have been something great. However, the casual whitewashing holds it back as a literary work and also reveals a lack of awareness about what it's contributing to the real-world narrative. At best, Some of it was Real is a cheap spiritualist fairy tale. At worst, it's an irresponsible handling of a delicate subject, with concerning implications related to fraud, manipulation, and mental health issues.
My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2022
This book is a perfect example of, "I didn't see that coming." And in this case, it was absolutely a good thing. I never knew that reading a book about a psychic-medium (Sylvie) that is chasing down the truth of her past would keep me so engaged, but here we are.
What I love about Fischer's writing is the way she crafts her characters. This dual POV story gave us the ability to get inside the minds of both Thomas and Sylvie, in turn giving us the unique perspective of two people trying to find out the details of a story - but for totally different reasons. Sylvie is seeking self discovery while Thomas is trying to fulfill an agenda, but both are equally driven and straightforward. They contain flaws, they own them, and they converse like real adults - not like book adults, if you know what I mean. The conversations didn't feel forced or unrealistic, and that made Sylvie and Thomas very believable characters.
Secondly, this entire story was incredibly unique. While classified right now on Goodreads as a romance, it really read more to me like a mystery through the bulk of it. It was a well paced mystery, though, with lots of character development that had me WANTING to find everything out. By pacing it the way that she did, Fischer made it compelling. Instead of a mystery jumping off the page at the very start, there was time to get invested and curious before really digging into the nitty gritty,
This was the second book I've read by this author and the second one I've given 5 stars to. I look forward to reading more from her in the future!
What I love about Fischer's writing is the way she crafts her characters. This dual POV story gave us the ability to get inside the minds of both Thomas and Sylvie, in turn giving us the unique perspective of two people trying to find out the details of a story - but for totally different reasons. Sylvie is seeking self discovery while Thomas is trying to fulfill an agenda, but both are equally driven and straightforward. They contain flaws, they own them, and they converse like real adults - not like book adults, if you know what I mean. The conversations didn't feel forced or unrealistic, and that made Sylvie and Thomas very believable characters.
Secondly, this entire story was incredibly unique. While classified right now on Goodreads as a romance, it really read more to me like a mystery through the bulk of it. It was a well paced mystery, though, with lots of character development that had me WANTING to find everything out. By pacing it the way that she did, Fischer made it compelling. Instead of a mystery jumping off the page at the very start, there was time to get invested and curious before really digging into the nitty gritty,
This was the second book I've read by this author and the second one I've given 5 stars to. I look forward to reading more from her in the future!
January 13, 2022
Nan Fischer has a talent for brilliant story set-ups - here the collision of a psychic whose fame is gaining traction and a cynical reporter setting out to debunk her. Loved Author Fischer's YA novels - THE SPEED OF FALLING OBJECTS (an Amazon rainforest survival story - do not miss this book) and WHEN ELEPHANTS FLY (baby elephant rescue) - so lucky to get to read an advanced copy of this novel - her debut adult novel - highly recommended. And I adore this cover - just perfect. I never know what this author will come up with next, but I do know that whatever it is, I want to drop everything and read it.
March 6, 2022
This book kept my attention from beginning to end. I was able to put aside belief and accept that Sylvia might have some actual psychic ability. The unknown events of her past kept me turning pages to find out what had happened. Narration by both main characters was essential. I don’t think this story would have worked without hearing both perspectives. The predictable romance didn’t hold much interest for me, but the relationship did keep the story moving. The pets contributed added interest, although I’ve never met an actual cat that would travel and behave as affably as this one did. I recommend this book for those who are interested in psychics and/or in discovering buried memories of childhood trauma.
Thanks to the publisher and BookBrowse for an ARC copy of this book for review.
Thanks to the publisher and BookBrowse for an ARC copy of this book for review.
July 31, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
My memories are a nest of spiders suddenly caught in bright light. They skitter to dark corners.
“Scott and I have been divorced for three years. Heart problems did us in.” “Was he sick?” “No. He thought I was missing mine.”
My Review:
I have a new favorite author who has scribbled out an exceptional piece of writing with uncommonly engaging prose and evocative arrangements of words that smacked me around and squeezed my insides. I could see and hear these people and their revelations and interactions gave me chicken skin! The unpredictable yet realistically unbelievable while believable storylines were laced together with a powerfully emotive writing style that kept me on edge, nibbling on my cuticles, and anxious and even somewhat fearful to keep reading. I generally despise angst but this was fantastic!
My memories are a nest of spiders suddenly caught in bright light. They skitter to dark corners.
“Scott and I have been divorced for three years. Heart problems did us in.” “Was he sick?” “No. He thought I was missing mine.”
My Review:
I have a new favorite author who has scribbled out an exceptional piece of writing with uncommonly engaging prose and evocative arrangements of words that smacked me around and squeezed my insides. I could see and hear these people and their revelations and interactions gave me chicken skin! The unpredictable yet realistically unbelievable while believable storylines were laced together with a powerfully emotive writing style that kept me on edge, nibbling on my cuticles, and anxious and even somewhat fearful to keep reading. I generally despise angst but this was fantastic!
September 20, 2022
3.75 Stars!
It took me a long time to finish this one. Two weeks to be exact. Which is a LONG time for me. Now that's not all the books fault. Life is busy these days. But also this one didn't grab me like some books do.
I wouldn't say there was a lot of romance in this one. I did find the premise interesting, the story good, the main characters likable. The side characters were good too - well Moose and Charlie, anyways. The same can't be said for Sylvie's parents.
If anything this was too long? Too slow paced? I don't know. I liked it, but I didn't LOVE it.
It took me a long time to finish this one. Two weeks to be exact. Which is a LONG time for me. Now that's not all the books fault. Life is busy these days. But also this one didn't grab me like some books do.
I wouldn't say there was a lot of romance in this one. I did find the premise interesting, the story good, the main characters likable. The side characters were good too - well Moose and Charlie, anyways. The same can't be said for Sylvie's parents.
If anything this was too long? Too slow paced? I don't know. I liked it, but I didn't LOVE it.
July 24, 2022
Started out strong and then totally petered out. There was way more in this plot than the book could hold.
Too many coincidences but I can let it slide because this book is about a medium after all and it’s part of the ‘discourse’ the characters have.
The sex was so cringey. Maybe because it was from the man’s perspective? Maybe because it’s a journalist sleeping with a source? Maybe because it felt like it came out of nowhere?
Speaking of voices, this is a dual POV romance, which I think was the right choice for a doubter/believer narrative. However, the voices weren’t quite distinct enough for me. It wouldn’t take too long for me to switch over, but even a small pause for calibration is not good. I want to know who is talking right away and not have to second guess whose POV I’m in when I pick up the book.
I wanted more subtlety. OF COURSE the journalist hates mediums because his mom has been duped by them. I just wonder is there another way to get this tension without having such a pointed backstory? Can it be a little more complicated?
The ending was also very dark and I came here for romance, not true crime.
CW for adoption trauma, death of a family member, death of a pet.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Too many coincidences but I can let it slide because this book is about a medium after all and it’s part of the ‘discourse’ the characters have.
The sex was so cringey. Maybe because it was from the man’s perspective? Maybe because it’s a journalist sleeping with a source? Maybe because it felt like it came out of nowhere?
Speaking of voices, this is a dual POV romance, which I think was the right choice for a doubter/believer narrative. However, the voices weren’t quite distinct enough for me. It wouldn’t take too long for me to switch over, but even a small pause for calibration is not good. I want to know who is talking right away and not have to second guess whose POV I’m in when I pick up the book.
I wanted more subtlety. OF COURSE the journalist hates mediums because his mom has been duped by them. I just wonder is there another way to get this tension without having such a pointed backstory? Can it be a little more complicated?
The ending was also very dark and I came here for romance, not true crime.
CW for adoption trauma, death of a family member, death of a pet.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2023
I couldn't put this one down.
Read
March 3, 2022Wow! After a series of rom-coms, this book was such a unique and different read. I was completely absorbed in the story after the first chapter and it kept me guessing throughout. This is one I don’t want to say too much about as I think it’s a better read than the description may make it sound.
The characters were strong, the psychic storyline was very unique, and the subtle mystery quality of the book kept me hooked- I read this one in a day and would highly recommend!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my gifted review copy.
The characters were strong, the psychic storyline was very unique, and the subtle mystery quality of the book kept me hooked- I read this one in a day and would highly recommend!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for my gifted review copy.
July 22, 2022
Some of It Was Real by Nan Fischer is one of my top books of 2022. When I received the ARC, I thought it would be a fun, light romance that I was sure I would enjoy, and it was that, but so much more! I just loved this mix of romance, suspense, and mystery all with wonderful writing and unique characters.
Sylvie Young is just starting to become famous as a psychic-medium. She has sold out events and a television show offer. She tells her audience about how she discovered her abilities. She doesn’t tell the that her parents died in a car crash when she was very young, or that she doesn’t speak with her adoptive parents anymore. Or, that she can’t remember a thing before she was adopted at the age of six.
Thomas Holmes, a reporter for the LA Times, is writing an article about “grief vampires”, and it’s personal for him. His last story was a disaster and he has something to prove. Also, his widowed mother spends her time visiting physics and mediums in a desire to connect with her late husband and find closure. He needs to prove that Sylvia is a fake, which shouldn’t be too hard as he doesn’t believe any psychics are real.
Thomas wants to know Sylvia’s background for his article, but she doesn’t remember anything before she was six years old. They make a deal to work together to try and find out her history. Sylvia wants to prove to Thomas that her gifts are real.
I was very surprised by this book. I knew it would be good, and I expected a light romance with some issues, but I didn’t expect such a well-rounded story with mystery, suspense, and a lot of heart-wrenching emotion. The mystery of Sylvia’s background was fascinating to follow. Thomas and Sylvia both have great reasons to stay away from each other, but I enjoyed the slow-burn romance as they worked together, and sometimes worked against each other.
I also liked how the author kept me on the edge of my seat. Both Sylvia and Thomas are trying to manipulate each other to prove their own points, and I never really knew who (if anyone) was being truthful, or who has something to hide (or not?) Does Sylvia have the gift? If she does, how can she prove it to Thomas? What happened to Sylvia during the first 6 years of her life? Why do her parents no longer talk to her? Why does Thomas dislike Sylvia’s profession so much? And so many more questions!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women's fiction and romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sylvie Young is just starting to become famous as a psychic-medium. She has sold out events and a television show offer. She tells her audience about how she discovered her abilities. She doesn’t tell the that her parents died in a car crash when she was very young, or that she doesn’t speak with her adoptive parents anymore. Or, that she can’t remember a thing before she was adopted at the age of six.
Thomas Holmes, a reporter for the LA Times, is writing an article about “grief vampires”, and it’s personal for him. His last story was a disaster and he has something to prove. Also, his widowed mother spends her time visiting physics and mediums in a desire to connect with her late husband and find closure. He needs to prove that Sylvia is a fake, which shouldn’t be too hard as he doesn’t believe any psychics are real.
Thomas wants to know Sylvia’s background for his article, but she doesn’t remember anything before she was six years old. They make a deal to work together to try and find out her history. Sylvia wants to prove to Thomas that her gifts are real.
I was very surprised by this book. I knew it would be good, and I expected a light romance with some issues, but I didn’t expect such a well-rounded story with mystery, suspense, and a lot of heart-wrenching emotion. The mystery of Sylvia’s background was fascinating to follow. Thomas and Sylvia both have great reasons to stay away from each other, but I enjoyed the slow-burn romance as they worked together, and sometimes worked against each other.
I also liked how the author kept me on the edge of my seat. Both Sylvia and Thomas are trying to manipulate each other to prove their own points, and I never really knew who (if anyone) was being truthful, or who has something to hide (or not?) Does Sylvia have the gift? If she does, how can she prove it to Thomas? What happened to Sylvia during the first 6 years of her life? Why do her parents no longer talk to her? Why does Thomas dislike Sylvia’s profession so much? And so many more questions!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys women's fiction and romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 14, 2022
What a great story! I have a new favorite theme in books, and apparently it involves a psychic.
Sylvia Young has a special gift of connecting with spirit, and is on a path to help others connect with lost loved ones. But is she really gifted after all? L.A Reporter Thomas Holmes is on a mission to uncover and expose Sylvie for a fraud.
I loved the mystery and connection behind Sylvia’s past, and thought this was such a great read.
*many thanks to Berkley for the gifted copy for review
Sylvia Young has a special gift of connecting with spirit, and is on a path to help others connect with lost loved ones. But is she really gifted after all? L.A Reporter Thomas Holmes is on a mission to uncover and expose Sylvie for a fraud.
I loved the mystery and connection behind Sylvia’s past, and thought this was such a great read.
*many thanks to Berkley for the gifted copy for review
December 2, 2021
I didn't want this book to end! From the start, you're invested in both Sylvie and Thomas's stories for their individually haunted pasts and the secrets they both keep.
It feels delightfully different; initially reminds me of Edward Norton as the young mesmerist in The Illusionist - when he's still humble, trying so hard but you know there are dark, secrets to be revealed.
Plus their pets Moose and Christopher Robin add a layer to the story that I wasn't expecting to affect me so deeply.
As their story grows you feel compelled to follow them, discover surprise reactions with them.
I still am not ready to let the characters go; Fischer's writing has a gripping quality I hope we see much more of.
Galley borrowed from the publisher.
It feels delightfully different; initially reminds me of Edward Norton as the young mesmerist in The Illusionist - when he's still humble, trying so hard but you know there are dark, secrets to be revealed.
Plus their pets Moose and Christopher Robin add a layer to the story that I wasn't expecting to affect me so deeply.
As their story grows you feel compelled to follow them, discover surprise reactions with them.
I still am not ready to let the characters go; Fischer's writing has a gripping quality I hope we see much more of.
Galley borrowed from the publisher.
January 26, 2022
Fresh, surprising, and compulsively readable, SOME OF IT WAS REAL sucked me right in with its rich characters, sparkling wit, and captivating story arc. This debut is an unflinching exploration of identity, trauma, and transcending the past, and it kept me riveted all the way up to its jaw-dropping conclusion.
July 24, 2022
You’ve never met Sylvie Young, but chances are she already knows all about you. See, Sylvie is a young psychic-medium, quickly making a name for herself in the industry. Devout followers travel far and wide in the hopes that this up and coming talent will select them out of an audience full of believers, and even a handful of skeptics.
Among the critics is struggling journalist Thomas Holmes. Hell bent on proving Sylvie and others like her are mere “grief vampires”, he attends a show and plants some false leads. When Sylvie takes the bait, he feels he has the proof that he needs to expose the con. Not only does he relish the idea of taking Sylvie down, he also knows writing this story could put him back on the path to professional success.
But in his quest to find the truth, Thomas needs to get to know Sylvie better. Sylvie, in turn, knows she has to prove herself or risk the reputation she worked hard to build. As Thomas and Sylvie learn more about each other, the reader learns more as well. In the process, secrets are uncovered, and more truths are revealed. Can Thomas and Sylvie discover what’s real before lies destroy them both?
Some Of It Was Real is an interesting story about truth tellers that, ironically, had a hard path to predict. I’ve always been intrigued by psychics and mediums, full well knowing there are a lot of frauds out there. I also believe that for every five frauds you encounter though, you’ll come across someone who is legit. That’s what drew me to this story in the first place.
However, the further I got into the book, the less this became about psychics and their questionable talent, the more it became a mystery about unearthing past truths. They even threw a little romance in just to keep things interesting, or to complicate matters more, you choose.
All cards on the table, this story wasn’t what I was expecting going in. A genre bending blend just served to make Some of It Was Real, somewhat confusing.
Among the critics is struggling journalist Thomas Holmes. Hell bent on proving Sylvie and others like her are mere “grief vampires”, he attends a show and plants some false leads. When Sylvie takes the bait, he feels he has the proof that he needs to expose the con. Not only does he relish the idea of taking Sylvie down, he also knows writing this story could put him back on the path to professional success.
But in his quest to find the truth, Thomas needs to get to know Sylvie better. Sylvie, in turn, knows she has to prove herself or risk the reputation she worked hard to build. As Thomas and Sylvie learn more about each other, the reader learns more as well. In the process, secrets are uncovered, and more truths are revealed. Can Thomas and Sylvie discover what’s real before lies destroy them both?
Some Of It Was Real is an interesting story about truth tellers that, ironically, had a hard path to predict. I’ve always been intrigued by psychics and mediums, full well knowing there are a lot of frauds out there. I also believe that for every five frauds you encounter though, you’ll come across someone who is legit. That’s what drew me to this story in the first place.
However, the further I got into the book, the less this became about psychics and their questionable talent, the more it became a mystery about unearthing past truths. They even threw a little romance in just to keep things interesting, or to complicate matters more, you choose.
All cards on the table, this story wasn’t what I was expecting going in. A genre bending blend just served to make Some of It Was Real, somewhat confusing.
August 21, 2022
This book was enemies to lovers (ish) romance was a surprise delight! Sylvie is a professional psychic medium and Thomas is determined to prove she's a fraud. Together they spend a week travelling and getting to know one another while also searching into the mystery of Sylvie's past. Part family mystery, part steamy romance and 100% fun. I loved Sylvie's emotional support dog and that Thomas travelled with his aging cat. Great on audio and definitely worth the read!! Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!
October 12, 2023
No it's not THAT bad but it's bad. More than bad it's boring SO BEYOND BORING. this book took me way too long to read, I procrastinated reading it.
I was skimming the pages because I didn't care at all. It was so description heavy, I felt like I was supposed to be looking for answers to a mystery in it all but it was just there for fun, except it wasn't fun, it was boring.
THE WRITING:
If I read this when I was 12 id have thought it was deep. But reading this as the target age demographic was so not it.
"The desperate need to escape pushes me outside like a fist to the small of my back propelling me"
GOOD LORD SEND ME HELP. the whole book was like this, over described, fake deep, annoying descriptions that I saw as words on a page. The way this book was written annoyed me, my eyes hurt from rolling them. I refuse to say anymore.
THE PLOT:
There was a plot, that is for sure, and it was not my vibe. There were moments that were captivating to read, Chris dying was emotional, yada yada, but none of it was relevant to anything. The paragraphs jumped around weirdly in places and I got whiplash following an extremely slow moving plotline that was attempting to be character driven but wasn't because the characters started and finished as the same people. We had the finding out Sylvie's past plot and we had the getting article to destroy career plot and it was supposedly emotional and conflicting but it felt like we jumped from one to another all the while on a little random hiatus with some animals and bam now we have a romance plot line with uncomfortably written sex scenes and where the fuck are we I just didn't care.
Felt cliche to me, I didn't care for it, but I think that's just because I didn't care about the characters, so why the hell would I care about what was happening to them? Good characters can make me care about some psychic with no memory of her childhood due to trauma, BUT WE DIDNT HAVE ANY.
THE CHARACTERS:
I cannot tell you a single personality trait of these two. Yes they knew more about themselves and had accepted shit at the end, yay to Sylvie doing things her own way and both of them reconciling with death etc, but they're the same? They have no personality, no quirks, no traits, nothing. THEY DONT TALK DISTINCTIVELY. and that's the main characters, god knows not a single side characters name is in my brain after turning the page they're on. Nothing about this was emotional, I tried so hard to understand the good reviews but I'm so confused it's so mediocre.
I want my time back.
I was skimming the pages because I didn't care at all. It was so description heavy, I felt like I was supposed to be looking for answers to a mystery in it all but it was just there for fun, except it wasn't fun, it was boring.
THE WRITING:
If I read this when I was 12 id have thought it was deep. But reading this as the target age demographic was so not it.
"The desperate need to escape pushes me outside like a fist to the small of my back propelling me"
GOOD LORD SEND ME HELP. the whole book was like this, over described, fake deep, annoying descriptions that I saw as words on a page. The way this book was written annoyed me, my eyes hurt from rolling them. I refuse to say anymore.
THE PLOT:
There was a plot, that is for sure, and it was not my vibe. There were moments that were captivating to read, Chris dying was emotional, yada yada, but none of it was relevant to anything. The paragraphs jumped around weirdly in places and I got whiplash following an extremely slow moving plotline that was attempting to be character driven but wasn't because the characters started and finished as the same people. We had the finding out Sylvie's past plot and we had the getting article to destroy career plot and it was supposedly emotional and conflicting but it felt like we jumped from one to another all the while on a little random hiatus with some animals and bam now we have a romance plot line with uncomfortably written sex scenes and where the fuck are we I just didn't care.
Felt cliche to me, I didn't care for it, but I think that's just because I didn't care about the characters, so why the hell would I care about what was happening to them? Good characters can make me care about some psychic with no memory of her childhood due to trauma, BUT WE DIDNT HAVE ANY.
THE CHARACTERS:
I cannot tell you a single personality trait of these two. Yes they knew more about themselves and had accepted shit at the end, yay to Sylvie doing things her own way and both of them reconciling with death etc, but they're the same? They have no personality, no quirks, no traits, nothing. THEY DONT TALK DISTINCTIVELY. and that's the main characters, god knows not a single side characters name is in my brain after turning the page they're on. Nothing about this was emotional, I tried so hard to understand the good reviews but I'm so confused it's so mediocre.
I want my time back.
May 24, 2023
4.5 but I feel comfortable rounding it up because it made me cry more than once.
2nd read, I still love this book. And it still made me cry more than once.
2nd read, I still love this book. And it still made me cry more than once.
July 20, 2022
4.5/5
January 31, 2023
I loved everything about this book. I loved the bouncing between perspectives to carry you through the story. It has everything you need in a book from heartbreak, romance, quick wit and mystery. One of my favourites for sure!
February 28, 2022
Whether or not you believe in psychics or mediums, "Some of It Was Real" is an entertaining book. Sylvie, the psychic/medium, gets a visit from Thomas, a journalist who wants to expose her as a fraud.
Sylvie is an orphan who remembers none of her life before her adoptive parents. Thomas grew up with his mother following a car crash that killed his father and brother. From his preparation for his article about her he also knows more about Sylvie's past than she does.
Sylvie doubts herself. She doesn't know how much of her success is due to the research she does about her subjects before each show and how much has its origin in her unusual abilities. She has given remarkably accurate predictions at times-- without any preparation.
Thomas wants to dislike Sylvie. Sylvie doesn't want to lose her livelihood. Both become convinced that Sylvie needs to learn what happened in her forgotten first six years of life.
Nan Fischer tells the story from both Sylvie's and Thomas's viewpoints, alternating chapters to do so.
Fischer lets the reader make up his/her mind about mediums and psychics. The rest of the main characters' stories may be at least equally important anyway.
Sylvie is an orphan who remembers none of her life before her adoptive parents. Thomas grew up with his mother following a car crash that killed his father and brother. From his preparation for his article about her he also knows more about Sylvie's past than she does.
Sylvie doubts herself. She doesn't know how much of her success is due to the research she does about her subjects before each show and how much has its origin in her unusual abilities. She has given remarkably accurate predictions at times-- without any preparation.
Thomas wants to dislike Sylvie. Sylvie doesn't want to lose her livelihood. Both become convinced that Sylvie needs to learn what happened in her forgotten first six years of life.
Nan Fischer tells the story from both Sylvie's and Thomas's viewpoints, alternating chapters to do so.
Fischer lets the reader make up his/her mind about mediums and psychics. The rest of the main characters' stories may be at least equally important anyway.
August 19, 2024
Was this a mystery or a romance story? Yes. Both elements were well written and engaging. It's a compliment to the author's craft when both love interests are bound and determined to not fall in love with the other, but you are rooting hard for them to do so. Spoiler: they do.
Another theme that was thread through the story was trust and belief. The HEA wasn't going to happen if Thomas didn't get to the point where he truly believes in Sylvie's physic gift.
This was just a delightful, enjoyable book. Bravo and Cheers, author.
Another theme that was thread through the story was trust and belief. The HEA wasn't going to happen if Thomas didn't get to the point where he truly believes in Sylvie's physic gift.
This was just a delightful, enjoyable book. Bravo and Cheers, author.
August 28, 2022
4.5 STARS
What a completely original and engrossing story!! It’s difficult to categorize this book into one specific genre but I could not put it down.
A compelling story of a psychic-medium filled with self-doubt, this book also delves into a mystery with lots of dysfunctional family drama along the way. There’s also a bittersweet romance but it’s all done beautifully.
The story is told in separate points of view from Thomas and Sylvie’s perspectives. Both have more in common than they first think. Thomas is looking for a career-saving piece of investigative journalism, by exposing Sylvie as a fraud. Although Sylvie seemed like the real deal to me (I do believe in psychics and intuition), she herself is filled with doubts.
”Is Thomas right that I’m rationalizing fraud? My reflection in the mirror blurs, like I’m losing definition, beginning to disappear. My heart doubles its beat. No. I’m the real deal and help people.”
Both are masters of manipulation and gamesmanship and I loved the cat-and-mouse lasted of the story. Sylvie takes a big gamble allowing Thomas to meet her family but the encounter pays off for Sylvie: Thomas finally sees the dysfunction that has shaped her.
Whether or not you believe in mediums or psychics, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the “business” side of things. Will Thomas ever fully trust Sylvie or believe in her gifts? And do they have enough trust to love each other unconditionally?
Burying my face in her hair, I whisper, “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You will,” she replies. “It’s the human condition.”
There’s also so much more to this magical book: the foster care system, mental health, repairing family relationships, as well as the beautiful bond Sylvie and Thomas both have with their pets Moose and Christopher Robins. This book really defies genres and I hope it gets the wide audience it deserves. Part thriller, part romance and a tiny bit paranormal, Sylvie and Thomas truly came alive as characters in this very original, touching and gripping story. I read a lot of books, but this inventive plot really stands out. Highly recommend!!
(Special thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley! All thoughts are my own.)
What a completely original and engrossing story!! It’s difficult to categorize this book into one specific genre but I could not put it down.
A compelling story of a psychic-medium filled with self-doubt, this book also delves into a mystery with lots of dysfunctional family drama along the way. There’s also a bittersweet romance but it’s all done beautifully.
The story is told in separate points of view from Thomas and Sylvie’s perspectives. Both have more in common than they first think. Thomas is looking for a career-saving piece of investigative journalism, by exposing Sylvie as a fraud. Although Sylvie seemed like the real deal to me (I do believe in psychics and intuition), she herself is filled with doubts.
”Is Thomas right that I’m rationalizing fraud? My reflection in the mirror blurs, like I’m losing definition, beginning to disappear. My heart doubles its beat. No. I’m the real deal and help people.”
Both are masters of manipulation and gamesmanship and I loved the cat-and-mouse lasted of the story. Sylvie takes a big gamble allowing Thomas to meet her family but the encounter pays off for Sylvie: Thomas finally sees the dysfunction that has shaped her.
Whether or not you believe in mediums or psychics, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the “business” side of things. Will Thomas ever fully trust Sylvie or believe in her gifts? And do they have enough trust to love each other unconditionally?
Burying my face in her hair, I whisper, “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You will,” she replies. “It’s the human condition.”
There’s also so much more to this magical book: the foster care system, mental health, repairing family relationships, as well as the beautiful bond Sylvie and Thomas both have with their pets Moose and Christopher Robins. This book really defies genres and I hope it gets the wide audience it deserves. Part thriller, part romance and a tiny bit paranormal, Sylvie and Thomas truly came alive as characters in this very original, touching and gripping story. I read a lot of books, but this inventive plot really stands out. Highly recommend!!
(Special thanks to the publisher for providing me with a review copy via NetGalley! All thoughts are my own.)
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