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Haunted Hearts: Book One
Della is a small town girl with a big secret. Born with the gift of third sight, communication with the dead, she is labeled an outcast in Willowbrook. Following the loss of her mother, she is left to navigate life as a medium on her own. Della spends her entire life trying to fade into the background, but someone has a different plan for her. When two handsome brothers move to town, a ghostly woman in white begins haunting Della.
Diedrick Henson and his brother Cain moved to town with the intention to restore the mansion left to them by their estranged father and get back to California as soon as possible. But darkness hangs over the old mansion and Cain, and soon Diedrick begins to question everything he believes. His intrigue only grows when he meets a quirky local girl.
As the paranormal activity intensifies so do the feelings between Della and Diedrick. The lines between reality and the spirit world begin to blur.
Della wonders how she can keep her secret and help the woman haunting her without losing her heart in the process.
Diedrick Henson and his brother Cain moved to town with the intention to restore the mansion left to them by their estranged father and get back to California as soon as possible. But darkness hangs over the old mansion and Cain, and soon Diedrick begins to question everything he believes. His intrigue only grows when he meets a quirky local girl.
As the paranormal activity intensifies so do the feelings between Della and Diedrick. The lines between reality and the spirit world begin to blur.
Della wonders how she can keep her secret and help the woman haunting her without losing her heart in the process.
- GenresParanormal
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2022
4 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 13, 2022
"Never be sorry for who you are. Never be sorry for the things that make you, you."
4.25 stars!
Trigger warning: suicide off-page, depression, bullying, attempted suicide
Honestly, I was a little nervous going into this book as it's written by one of my dear bookish friends, but I am happy to say that I loved this haunted debut! For me, the beginning felt a little repetitive as Sara works to set up the story with constant POV switches of the same scenes between Della and Deidrick, but once the story and mystery surrounding the Henson brothers began to unravel, I was absolutely invested in their story!
Della was such an easy heroine to like as I think most readers will be able to relate to her in some way. Della has felt like an outcast most of her life because of what makes her unique--her ability to see and communicate with spirits. When the Henson brothers move into her sleepy small town, her spirit interactions seem to increase exponentially while her interactions with a certain Henson leave her reeling.
I loved how the story slowly unfolded, peeling back one mystery at a time while the readers follow Della and Sally as they slowly piece together the heartbreaking story of the Henson family. There was also a sweet and steamy romance happening between Della and Deidrick that had all of the angst and drama that I love! Overall, I am so proud of Sara in her debut novel, and I cannot wait for the conclusion of Cain, Deidrick, and Della's story♡
Tropes: virgin heroine, playboy hero, small town, ghostly interactions, haunted house, slow-burn romance
*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
July 1, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this story. When @queenshebasbookshelf reached out about her book, it sounded so unique, like nothing is ever read before. Romance and paranormal elements? That's not so common, right?! So, when she presented the opportunity to ARC read Haunted Hearts, I knew I had to check it out.
Della is a small town girl who's never left her hometown in Appalachia. She's just shy of 21 and is working at a hardware store in Willowbrook. People tend to steer clear of Della and avoid her at all costs. Small towns talk and very few people were saying anything positive about Della, even though she's a stand up person, one who put college on the back burner when her m got sick so she could take care of her. Small minded people can't seem to wrap their heads around people who are different than them. In Della's case, she can see and communicate with the dead. It's usually something she can handle until the handsome Henson brothers come to Willowbrook to restore the mansion their estranged father left them. As soon as they arrive, a woman starts contacting Della from the other side and Della is left trying to connect the dots, all while falling for the younger brother Diedrick. But, will Diedrick and his brother Cain accept Della for what she is or shun her like the rest of the community. Della has to discover if it's worth it to put herself out there for the chance to feel true love.
I legitimately flew through this story. I finished 80% of it in one day and breezed through the last 20% as soon as I could the next day. Especially towards the end, I found myself flying through the pages on the edge of my seat wondering how this would end. It was so good! Now I just need to know what's going to happen in the second book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Della is a small town girl who's never left her hometown in Appalachia. She's just shy of 21 and is working at a hardware store in Willowbrook. People tend to steer clear of Della and avoid her at all costs. Small towns talk and very few people were saying anything positive about Della, even though she's a stand up person, one who put college on the back burner when her m got sick so she could take care of her. Small minded people can't seem to wrap their heads around people who are different than them. In Della's case, she can see and communicate with the dead. It's usually something she can handle until the handsome Henson brothers come to Willowbrook to restore the mansion their estranged father left them. As soon as they arrive, a woman starts contacting Della from the other side and Della is left trying to connect the dots, all while falling for the younger brother Diedrick. But, will Diedrick and his brother Cain accept Della for what she is or shun her like the rest of the community. Della has to discover if it's worth it to put herself out there for the chance to feel true love.
I legitimately flew through this story. I finished 80% of it in one day and breezed through the last 20% as soon as I could the next day. Especially towards the end, I found myself flying through the pages on the edge of my seat wondering how this would end. It was so good! Now I just need to know what's going to happen in the second book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 24, 2024
Great Job
Was hooked from the first page! Hoping there is a second book telling about Sally and further detailing the relationship between her and Cain. Sara you did great for your 1st book!
Was hooked from the first page! Hoping there is a second book telling about Sally and further detailing the relationship between her and Cain. Sara you did great for your 1st book!
July 9, 2022
Such a fun read! There's mystery, romance, and paranormal. Keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing what will come next. Loved rooting for Della and Diedrick and even Della and Cain at one point haha! Can't wait to see where this story takes us next!
May 21, 2023
So my long time sister from another mister, Sara Rader, wrote her first book recently. Self-published and everything! Her cover is 🔥 by the way. I’m gonna come right out and say I’ve known that Sara could write her heart out ever since we became best friends when we were teens in 7th grade. What she may not have said in so many words back then (she was a bit quiet and shy when we met) she was always able to reflect her feelings in her writing.
When I found out that she was writing her own paranormal romance, I literally squealed because I knew writing was her dream! It took me a little longer than I expected to pick it up and read it because I was in the middle of a series that had a tight grip on my soul. However, I was overjoyed to crack it open the moment I finished.
I started Haunted Hearts last night and before I even climbed into bed I was halfway through. Like any new author, there was a couple bumps along the way, but nothing that would ever deter me from finishing it. In fact, I feel like the more I read the more Sara found her voice and the words flowed brilliantly.
By the end of her book I was literally an emotional wreck and blinking through tears trying to find out what fate had in store for her characters. Which as much as I’d love to gush to you, I won’t give away an ending worth reading.
I must say Sara most definitely has my heart when it comes to these characters and I’m going to impatiently wait for the chance to read the next installment which I know she has already started. I can only hope it’ll be as captivating and steamy 🔥 as this first installment.
I can’t recommend this book any harder. I just will forewarn you that reading this will get you feeling a little heat between your legs and a flutter in your stomach. She’s definitely got a spicy way with her words and it made me blush a little bit remembering that my bestie wrote them!
Thank you Sara, for getting me fired up, that’s most definitely a new one in our forever friendship. But I should have known, we don’t call ourselves wicked sisters for nothing!! I love you my dear friend, and I’m over the moon happy for you for fulfilling your dream. Things can only get better from here ❤️❤️
Pick up your copy at Amazon folks! You won’t be disappointed!
When I found out that she was writing her own paranormal romance, I literally squealed because I knew writing was her dream! It took me a little longer than I expected to pick it up and read it because I was in the middle of a series that had a tight grip on my soul. However, I was overjoyed to crack it open the moment I finished.
I started Haunted Hearts last night and before I even climbed into bed I was halfway through. Like any new author, there was a couple bumps along the way, but nothing that would ever deter me from finishing it. In fact, I feel like the more I read the more Sara found her voice and the words flowed brilliantly.
By the end of her book I was literally an emotional wreck and blinking through tears trying to find out what fate had in store for her characters. Which as much as I’d love to gush to you, I won’t give away an ending worth reading.
I must say Sara most definitely has my heart when it comes to these characters and I’m going to impatiently wait for the chance to read the next installment which I know she has already started. I can only hope it’ll be as captivating and steamy 🔥 as this first installment.
I can’t recommend this book any harder. I just will forewarn you that reading this will get you feeling a little heat between your legs and a flutter in your stomach. She’s definitely got a spicy way with her words and it made me blush a little bit remembering that my bestie wrote them!
Thank you Sara, for getting me fired up, that’s most definitely a new one in our forever friendship. But I should have known, we don’t call ourselves wicked sisters for nothing!! I love you my dear friend, and I’m over the moon happy for you for fulfilling your dream. Things can only get better from here ❤️❤️
Pick up your copy at Amazon folks! You won’t be disappointed!
July 12, 2022
This debut novel by Sara J. Rader gave me chills - there were so many moments, the characters were walking on knife-edge and flirting with disaster I couldn't look away🤩 HAUNTED HEARTS was full of thrilling, suspenseful scenes, that kept me glued to the pages and on the edge of my seat at all times.🖤
We meet Della first, and I absolutely loved her - she is free spirited, strong willed, brave and kind. However, because of her "abilities" she is the singled out black sheep in Willowbrook. Having endured harassment and poor treatment most of her life, she seems to just roll with the punches, until one faithful day Diedrick and his brother Cain drive into town, running away from their own demons. The faithful encounter, forcing Della to face her own tormentors and fight back.🖤
Della and Diedrick quickly find each other, and they collide in their futile attempts to fight their growing attraction and scorching hot chemistry. They go hot and cold, trying to resist the inevitable romance that is threatening to overtake their lives🖤💋 Once they give in and follow down the path their feelings lead them, the chain of events they trigger bring down decades of lies and painful memories to light.🖤
As more of the past is revealed, it becomes clear, that Della and Diedrick were always meant to be.🖤 Swoon.🖤
This story has a gorgeous cast of characters! Sally and Cain are an absolute show stopper, and I loved Rusty so much!🖤
We meet Della first, and I absolutely loved her - she is free spirited, strong willed, brave and kind. However, because of her "abilities" she is the singled out black sheep in Willowbrook. Having endured harassment and poor treatment most of her life, she seems to just roll with the punches, until one faithful day Diedrick and his brother Cain drive into town, running away from their own demons. The faithful encounter, forcing Della to face her own tormentors and fight back.🖤
Della and Diedrick quickly find each other, and they collide in their futile attempts to fight their growing attraction and scorching hot chemistry. They go hot and cold, trying to resist the inevitable romance that is threatening to overtake their lives🖤💋 Once they give in and follow down the path their feelings lead them, the chain of events they trigger bring down decades of lies and painful memories to light.🖤
As more of the past is revealed, it becomes clear, that Della and Diedrick were always meant to be.🖤 Swoon.🖤
This story has a gorgeous cast of characters! Sally and Cain are an absolute show stopper, and I loved Rusty so much!🖤
July 13, 2022
There is steam, there is some angst, there are ghosts there are hits that are so deserved and awesome side characters. What more could you want from a book!
Okay I have to start with mentioning Sally. She is what everyone needs in a best friend. There for all the crazy shit and down to punch a guy for being a grade A dick. She was awesome and really helped Della work through all her issues and gave an outside perspective to things that helped. Really can't wait to see what more we get of her backstory in the next book!!!
Cain was a bit quieter than everyone else in this but dam if he said something it was worth paying attention to. He was a serious voice of reason for Diedrick and I feel so bad for Cain cuz I just want him to be happy 😭. He went through too much.
Della and Diedrick. They were perfect together, even if Diedrick had some stupid moments, he more than made it up 😏. The flirting between them made me want someone like Diedrick, cuz damn, he's on my book boyfriend list and kinda near the top. Della was so sweet, total grill next door, but she really came into her own after everything, especially with Sally's help and with remembering her mom's wise words.
Everyone was just awesome, they weren't perfect, they made mistakes but didn't resolve them in says that make you groan. I really can't wait to see how the main issue will be continued in the next book!!!
Okay I have to start with mentioning Sally. She is what everyone needs in a best friend. There for all the crazy shit and down to punch a guy for being a grade A dick. She was awesome and really helped Della work through all her issues and gave an outside perspective to things that helped. Really can't wait to see what more we get of her backstory in the next book!!!
Cain was a bit quieter than everyone else in this but dam if he said something it was worth paying attention to. He was a serious voice of reason for Diedrick and I feel so bad for Cain cuz I just want him to be happy 😭. He went through too much.
Della and Diedrick. They were perfect together, even if Diedrick had some stupid moments, he more than made it up 😏. The flirting between them made me want someone like Diedrick, cuz damn, he's on my book boyfriend list and kinda near the top. Della was so sweet, total grill next door, but she really came into her own after everything, especially with Sally's help and with remembering her mom's wise words.
Everyone was just awesome, they weren't perfect, they made mistakes but didn't resolve them in says that make you groan. I really can't wait to see how the main issue will be continued in the next book!!!
August 8, 2022
As I’ve mentioned multiple times, I am a scaredy-cat through and through, so when I like something that is scary, it’s a big deal. This story was just the right amount of spooky for me. The mystery behind the Henson brothers was interesting and unfolded at just the right pace. The ghostly moments ran the gamut of heartwarming to downright terrifying. Della was such a relatable character. I adored how awkward she was and especially loved that we saw her grow throughout the story. Diedrick was a bit full of himself, but I appreciated that Della brought out the best of him. And he was always a respectful gentleman and allowed Della to determine the pace of their relationship. Their romance was sweet and HOT and they complemented each other perfectly. So many side characters stood out as favorites. Cain and Sally in particular were on a whole other level and I cannot wait to read their story!!
If you like paranormal romance, small town settings, and great characters, read Haunted Hearts!!
Content warnings: suicide, attempted suicide, bullying, depression, profanity, ghost encounters, and sexual scenes
If you like paranormal romance, small town settings, and great characters, read Haunted Hearts!!
Content warnings: suicide, attempted suicide, bullying, depression, profanity, ghost encounters, and sexual scenes
July 17, 2022
This is Sara’s debut book baby everyone! Go wish her a huge congratulations! 🎉This book is definitely one of my favorites of 2022. Gorgeous cover and it has lots of romance, mystery, suspense, spookiness and hilarious dialogue between the characters. Especially Sally and Dellas.’ I think their BFF relationship is my favorite. It reminds me of some of my friendships. The Henson brothers are mysterious, witty and as I would imagine, easy on the eyes. 😉Della also has a gift that definitely makes this story. ✨ Also, a great playlist to listen to as you read. Go get yourself this book on Amazon (NOW AVAILABLE) and make sure you read this one first, as this one is book 1 in The Always Haunt Me duet!!❤️
September 30, 2022
Amazing page turner! I loved this whole book!! A must read for those who like romance and the supernatural!! 💖
October 12, 2022
Unique stroy
This is Rader's debut novel and, as a new indie author myself, I first and foremost want to give you a round of applause 👏 for following your dream! I know how incredibly scary it is to put your work out there to be both enjoyed and scrutinized. But...you didn't let that fear hold you back and for that alone you should be so proud!
.
Now, this book takes place in the small town of Willowbrooke, where everyone knows everything about each other, and gossip and rumors run rampant. Not to mention ignorance a cruelty. Noone knows that better than Della.
.
Della has been different her entire life, she's a medium, and has been bullied and shunned because of it. This has led her to live a quiet and peaceful, if not a bit lonely, life. She has a handful of people who love her and encourage her, but she's still ultimately alone, with no one to share her life with.
.
That all changes when the Henson brothers come to town. Gossip and rumors fly about their haunted past and Della is immediately haunted by someone connected to them. But what is this spirit trying to tell Della? And will Della get the message in time to help the Henson brothers before it's too late? Or will their curse claim another life?
.
Diedrick is immediately taken by Della and Della is likewise attracted to him. But when their relationship starts progressing, and Della keeps getting visions and signs about him and his brother, can they handle what unfolds? Or will Diedrick shun Della when he finds out the truth about her, too?
.
Overall, it was a unique story that kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen and I think this is a fantastic start to this series! The only thing I struggled a little bit with is the personal connection. I am wholeheartedly a character driven reader and personally just had a hard time connecting with Della. The feel of the characters was a bit more high school to me instead of early adulthood.
.
That being said, I absolutely recommend this book! Check out the phenomenal reviews others have written for it! Also, it's got some spooky vibes in the whole "I see spirits" and is perfect for a spooky season read! Enjoy!
This is Rader's debut novel and, as a new indie author myself, I first and foremost want to give you a round of applause 👏 for following your dream! I know how incredibly scary it is to put your work out there to be both enjoyed and scrutinized. But...you didn't let that fear hold you back and for that alone you should be so proud!
.
Now, this book takes place in the small town of Willowbrooke, where everyone knows everything about each other, and gossip and rumors run rampant. Not to mention ignorance a cruelty. Noone knows that better than Della.
.
Della has been different her entire life, she's a medium, and has been bullied and shunned because of it. This has led her to live a quiet and peaceful, if not a bit lonely, life. She has a handful of people who love her and encourage her, but she's still ultimately alone, with no one to share her life with.
.
That all changes when the Henson brothers come to town. Gossip and rumors fly about their haunted past and Della is immediately haunted by someone connected to them. But what is this spirit trying to tell Della? And will Della get the message in time to help the Henson brothers before it's too late? Or will their curse claim another life?
.
Diedrick is immediately taken by Della and Della is likewise attracted to him. But when their relationship starts progressing, and Della keeps getting visions and signs about him and his brother, can they handle what unfolds? Or will Diedrick shun Della when he finds out the truth about her, too?
.
Overall, it was a unique story that kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen and I think this is a fantastic start to this series! The only thing I struggled a little bit with is the personal connection. I am wholeheartedly a character driven reader and personally just had a hard time connecting with Della. The feel of the characters was a bit more high school to me instead of early adulthood.
.
That being said, I absolutely recommend this book! Check out the phenomenal reviews others have written for it! Also, it's got some spooky vibes in the whole "I see spirits" and is perfect for a spooky season read! Enjoy!
July 19, 2022
Rating: 5/5
I have saved this review for today, my birthday, because this book had everything I love in books all wrapped up.
Things I loved:
Small town vibe, Paranormal, Suspenseful moments, amazing characters & ones that even if you didn’t have some paranormal aspect in your life, you can still find them relatable, Strong bonds between characters, Slow burn romance, and some spiciness.
I really thought all the characters were well developed in the beginning of the book and only developed more throughout. Della is such an easy Heroine, you can’t help but fall in love with her and make an instant bond with Della. She is the girl next door, even with her gifts. Sally, however, is the best friend/big sister you have always wanted. I really hope that in the next book we get to learn more about her story and hopefully see something bloom for Sally and Cain. Della and Diedrick's relationship bloom at the right speed for me and everything fits together just right, they’re the perfect pair, from in the sheets to the everyday mundane boring parts.
The speed of this book was the perfect blend of fast paced and slow, just enough of both worlds that keep you reading at a great pace. Overall, this book is one of my favorites from this year and I can not wait to see what Sara has in store for us with the next book.
I received eARC from the author for my honest review.
I have saved this review for today, my birthday, because this book had everything I love in books all wrapped up.
Things I loved:
Small town vibe, Paranormal, Suspenseful moments, amazing characters & ones that even if you didn’t have some paranormal aspect in your life, you can still find them relatable, Strong bonds between characters, Slow burn romance, and some spiciness.
I really thought all the characters were well developed in the beginning of the book and only developed more throughout. Della is such an easy Heroine, you can’t help but fall in love with her and make an instant bond with Della. She is the girl next door, even with her gifts. Sally, however, is the best friend/big sister you have always wanted. I really hope that in the next book we get to learn more about her story and hopefully see something bloom for Sally and Cain. Della and Diedrick's relationship bloom at the right speed for me and everything fits together just right, they’re the perfect pair, from in the sheets to the everyday mundane boring parts.
The speed of this book was the perfect blend of fast paced and slow, just enough of both worlds that keep you reading at a great pace. Overall, this book is one of my favorites from this year and I can not wait to see what Sara has in store for us with the next book.
I received eARC from the author for my honest review.
July 18, 2022
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (5 Stars)
Steam: 🌶🌶🌶/5 (a few descriptive steamy scenes)
No Spoiler Review 👇🏻
This book was so good!
This is a paranormal romance book with a big mystery element as well. It was such a good/interesting read. Also this book has perfect fall vibes! (Which I enjoy all year round as I just love fall!!)
This book is set in the small town of Willowbrook. This story follows Della, who has lived there her entire life. Most people in the town avoid her as she is a medium/can talk to the dead. One day the mysterious Henson brothers move into the old mansion (10000% haunted if it’s an old mansion so you know stuff goes down). Diedrick is immediately attracted to Della. The more Della is around the brothers the more spirit she sees. Della must uncover the mystery around the Henson family and the connection to the spirit that won’t stop connecting with her. Also figure out what is meant by the “Henson Curse”. It has an entertaining cast of characters. t’s fun, interesting and mysterious! Plus a great romance! Della and Diedrick really balance each other out, and I love their story! Plus some steam is always great 😉
I loved this. I’m a fan of paranormal romances so I liked it a lot. This is Sara’s debut novel and I am so proud of her. It’s so good and I will literally read anything she writes now! I can’t wait for the second book in this Duet. I need more hot Henson brothers 🥵 and ghosts 👻
I highly recommend picking this up! It’s a great read and supports a new indie author!
CW: Death, past trauma, bullying, death of a parent, suicide
Steam: 🌶🌶🌶/5 (a few descriptive steamy scenes)
No Spoiler Review 👇🏻
This book was so good!
This is a paranormal romance book with a big mystery element as well. It was such a good/interesting read. Also this book has perfect fall vibes! (Which I enjoy all year round as I just love fall!!)
This book is set in the small town of Willowbrook. This story follows Della, who has lived there her entire life. Most people in the town avoid her as she is a medium/can talk to the dead. One day the mysterious Henson brothers move into the old mansion (10000% haunted if it’s an old mansion so you know stuff goes down). Diedrick is immediately attracted to Della. The more Della is around the brothers the more spirit she sees. Della must uncover the mystery around the Henson family and the connection to the spirit that won’t stop connecting with her. Also figure out what is meant by the “Henson Curse”. It has an entertaining cast of characters. t’s fun, interesting and mysterious! Plus a great romance! Della and Diedrick really balance each other out, and I love their story! Plus some steam is always great 😉
I loved this. I’m a fan of paranormal romances so I liked it a lot. This is Sara’s debut novel and I am so proud of her. It’s so good and I will literally read anything she writes now! I can’t wait for the second book in this Duet. I need more hot Henson brothers 🥵 and ghosts 👻
I highly recommend picking this up! It’s a great read and supports a new indie author!
CW: Death, past trauma, bullying, death of a parent, suicide
July 31, 2023
I absolutely devoured this book, and genuinely had no idea which direction it was going to take. I am ready for book 2 of this series. Perfect read for spooky, and the perfect amount of not only paranormal, but romance. Solid 5/5 for me.
Want to read
October 5, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/5/2022)! 🎁
February 15, 2023
The dual POV is on point! What made this a knockout for me was that each POV coincided seamlessly in 1 book. No need to purchase separate books that are just redundant and a bore (you know which couple of series I am probably referencing lol) Rader also delivered goosebump-inducing scenes that I will say I was not expecting, but really hit the mark. And I am not going to complain one bit about some well-versed spice ;) Looking forward to snatching up a copy of Book 2 when the time comes!
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