Imprints

Autumn Rain #1

by Rachel Ann Nunes

Sometimes what you can't see means everything

A young woman is missing. In desperation, her parents turn to Autumn Rain for help. Autumn reads imprints—emotions left mysteriously behind on certain treasured objects. But is this ability a blessing or a curse?

Sometimes Autumn isn’t sure—her life has become far from normal—but for people who have missing loved ones, her talent might mean the difference between life and death. Even the infuriating Detective Martin has asked for Autumn’s help, though at times she feels more like a suspect than a consultant. Too often Autumn finds herself retreating to her antiques shop and the company of her best friend, Jake Ryan, to avoid notice.

But soon more than one woman is mission, and Autumn teams up with private eye Keefe McConnell to investigate their disappearance. Keefe’s attraction to her is a pleasant change from Jake’s frustrating offers of friendship, but once Autumn takes that first step, she sets in motion a series of events that risk not only her own life but the lives of those she cares about most.

Genres: Mystery, Lds Fiction, Romance, Lds, Fiction, Book Club, Paranormal

337 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2010

About the author

Rachel Ann Nunes (pronounced noon-esh) learned to read when she was four and by seventh grade knew she was going to be an author. Now as a stay-at-home mother of seven, it isn't easy to find time to write, but she will trade washing dishes or weeding the garden for an hour at the computer any day! Her only rule about writing is to never eat chocolate at the computer. "Since I love chocolate and writing," she jokes, "my family might never see me again."

Rachel has over sixty published books, including the popular Ariana series and the award-winning picture book Daughter of a King. She enjoys hiking, swimming, spending time with her family, reading, and visiting far off places.

For more information or to join her e-mailing list, visit http://www.RachelAnnNunes.com.

Reviews

[Daron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is both well written, and a good clean read. I would strongly recommend that the reader doesn't start reading the book on a Saturday evening, unless they don't care if they fall asleep in church the next day. The storyline is creative and has plenty of suspense to keep the pages turning, late into the night.

I tend to read in a wide variety of genres to sharpen my own writing saw. I realize this is a Paranormal Women's Fiction book... Yeah, I know, don't give me a hard time about it... But I read the Twilight books too. And in my opinion, IMPRINTS is much better.

But just because I mentioned it, don't get the idea that this book is ANYTHING like Twilight. It ain't.

I look forward to the next one!

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was only available on ebook. I like having one I can read before bed or when I get a min here or there. This was a great one for that. It held my interest but wasn't so consuming that I couldn't fall asleep. I think I will continue the series and see how I like the next book. Overall I liked the characters. I find it ironic when someone is so obsessed with health and natural foods, then puts themselves intentionally in harm's way in other aspects... just saying... anyway, the love triangle was a little obvious, there were a few twists and turns I did not expect. Overall, a nice clean read with a touch of adventure.

[Jacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting read! I had no idea what was going to happen, and the suspense made it hard to put down!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Imprints," Rachel Ann Nunes' ground-breaking, envelope-pushing paranormal suspense novel, is my favorite read of the year, and proof that Nunes has upped the game for LDS authors in all genres.

Nunes is a big fan of paranormal suspense, but when the search for clean paranormal books--books a gospel-centered reader could embrace--became increasingly challenging, she decided to write one herself, and try to break a new niche in the market.

This award-winning author isn't gliding on her reputation. In my opinion, "Imprints" is her best work, proof that more great material is ahead, from Nunes, and from other authors who will benefit from "Imprints'" success. Using her considerable talent and clout, Nunes is expanding the market to a wider range of books in order to satisfy a broad hunger for clean, uplifting fiction.

"Imprints" isn't an LDS-themed book, but cautious readers who specifically choose LDS-authored suspense/romance, seeking high moral values and clean language, can comfortably embrace this paranormal book while enjoying the thrills and pace of a national best-selling read. Here's the premise:

Following the tragic death of her beloved adopted hippie-father, Autumn Rain receives a few unexpected gifts--the twin sister separated from her at birth; the paranormal ability to read "imprints," the emotions and images left behind on objects; and the knowledge that her sister also has a gift of her own.

Reining in her gift is Autumn's problem. She attempts to deal with it, and the pain it sometimes causes her, by using her ability to help victims of tragedies. Not everyone believes in her or her ability, causing Autumn to curb her inherently open, giving nature and close ranks around a few trusted relatives and friends. Paramount in her life are her sister, Tawnia: Tawnia's husband, Bret; and her best friend, Jake, the herbalist who owns the shop adjacent to Autumn's antique business. This trio--and a few objects retaining the soothing, loving imprints from Autumn's parents--are all the gifted woman has to anchor her as she comes to term with her ability and the scrutiny it brings her.
The jury is still out on Autumn's character, at least it is for a handsome detective named Shannon, who used information Autumn provided to locate a missing child. The girl was found--dead--and Shannon seemingly moved Autumn into the suspect list, as well as onto his list of informants.

Still, a pair of desperate parents come to the Herb Shoppe seeking Autumn's help. The story of their lost daughter compels Jake to make an introduction to Autumn, whose reading of the imprints left on the girl's possessions reveals cult connections. Autumn advises the family to contact the police, and soon Ethan--a gorgeous part-time P.I. with his own interest in exposing the cult--shows up at Autumn's shop, sweeping her off her logical, bare-footed feet. Consumed by multiples desires to help others, please Ethan, and to justify her ability, Autumn is swept into a world of intrigue that leaves readers pointing the finger of accusation at nearly every character in the book. You'll have a hard time walking away from this one.

And it's not just because the suspense is so tight and compelling, though it absolutely is. "Imprints" is the total package, the real-deal. Nunes' dialogue is smart, savvy, and sassy, giving each of her diverse characters powerful, compelling, and very individual, voices that endear them to the reader. The characters, particularly Autumn and Jake, are unique and adorable in their conflicted friendship, keeping you cheering as the potential love triangle expands to pentagonal proportions. I absolutely loved the book and I'm recommending it to everyone. It has national potential written into every page.

My only unresolved expectation surrounded the mysterious, accidental death of Autumn's father--the event that serves as the catalyst for everything else. I kept expecting it to be tied into this book's storyline somehow. But several "Imprints" characters have unresolved issues, and I expect that these issues, and the details surrounding this accident, are likely to be resolved, or at least explored, in upcoming "Autumn Rain" books. Yes, readers will be delighted to know that a sequel is already in progress.

So bravo to Rachel Ann Nunes--an award-winning, best-selling author of nearly thirty books--for taking a courageous leap of faith and leading out with "Imprints."

And hats off to Deseret Books and Shadow Mountain Publishing for taking a chance on "Imprints" and widening the market for LDS literature, although banking on Nunes--a solid, proven success--can hardly be considered a gamble.

Readers can pick up a copy at their neighborhood LDS book store!

[Christy Dorrity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Food to eat while reading: Organic Imprint Cookies(www.dearestdreams.com)

It’s been awhile since I have read any of Rachel Ann Nunes’ (pronounced noon-esh) books, and I have to say that I liked this one quite a bit. For me it was a quick read because I was so interested that I wanted to see what would happen. That I wanted to keep reading is a good thing. And the cover is beautiful.

What I liked:

Because the character is over thirty years old, this story bridges the gap for those of us who love to read YA paranormals, but sometimes tire of all the teen drama that goes along with them. This story is told through the eyes of Autumn Rain (cool name huh?), a single adult who has an established career and is still looking for love.

The idea of imprints-the ability to glean impressions and memories from objects is gripping, and plausible. I sometimes feel emotion when holding relics of my own, don’t you? So this ability of imprinting is quite believable for me. It opens up hundreds of story possibilities for the author and I am anxious to see what Autumn does next.

I like her friend, Jake. He’s unique (owns an herb shop, and has dreadlocks), and as a reader I want to scream out to Autumn that he loves her, can’t she see it? Also, the other romantic interests, Detective Shannon, and Ethan were interesting in their own rights and I liked them both. The banter and tension between Autumn and Detective Shannon were fun.

Autumn’s twin Tawnia brought a softness and hominess that provided a great contrast. I am fascinated by her ability to draw what is happening to those she loves.

The premise of a commune where people can live together and share each other’s burdens was fascinating. I wanted to see what the commune was truly about underneath the fascade they wore to lure others to them. The time that Autumn spent there was interesting and kept me reading.

Often suspense novels that involve disappearances can be gory or violent and the Nunes toned both of those down, much to my relief. The action and the ideas were every bit as suspenseful, and I don’t have to harbor icky scenes in my imagination.

What I would have changed:

The final scene between Autumn and Jake did not live up to my expectations. I say that tongue-in-cheek because I know that love scenes rarely do. We wait for them for the entire novel, and when it happens, we feel a sense of let down. And I realize, too, that the author may be setting the stage for future books if this is going to be a series. Still, I would have liked the scene to be longer, and with more emotion.

Though I appreciated the fact that Autumn was strict about her diet, preferring to eat things in their organic and natural state, I started getting a bit annoyed hearing about it. It was interesting at first, and it played a role later in the book, but for me it was overkill.

The verdict:

Imprints is a fast-paced and interesting suspense novel for adults that has a YA paranormal feel to it. Rachel, we want to read more about Autumn Rain!

*note: When I wrote this review I was not aware that this is the second book in a series, following "Eyes of a Strange". Kuddos to Rachel Ann Nunes for writing such a great book that it stands on its own!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best of Rachel Ann Nunes' books that I've read so far. It has more substance to it and is better written and edited than other books of hers that I've read (and reviewed on Goodreads). Nevertheless, I wish she or her editor would learn that one describes "myriad things"--not "a myriad of things." A minor point of usage.

We met Autumn Rain--identical twin to the more-traditional Tawnia--in Nunes' earlier novel, Eyes of a Stranger. This book is narrated by Autumn, who has discovered an ability to experience events and feel the participants' emotions when she touches objects that were important to them, such as a piece of jewelry. This sense has led her to help parents solve a girls' kidnapping (references to which made this reader wonder if she'd missed a book in the series).

Another set of parents has asked Autumn to give her impressions about their missing daughter--and a brother who has been searching for his missing sister believes the two cases are connected. Autumn and Jake, her friend and colleague, find themselves looking for the missing women at a cult/commune where on one hand, the members seem sincere and the way of life attractive to Autumn, with its organic farming and family-like connections and care. On the other hand, there are clearly some bad people involved and bad things happening. Autumn and Jake may have placed themselves in mortal danger through their desire to help find the two missing young women.

Nunes does a good job of keeping track of the threads of this more complex plot than her books have previously involved. Her characters are, for the most part, well-developed and memorable. (I will always remember Scarlet, the loving and effective mother figure to the women of the commune, and Spring, who escapes from her abusive husband by joining the group. Jake is the best-written and most attractive male character in both books.) Autumn is also well developed, and her gift (which could have conveniently been weaker or stronger as the plot demanded) is consistently presented. She suffers from a problem common to Nunes' romantic heroines: the inability to see what is repeatedly in front of her face, to the point where the reader finds the character's emotional blindness irritating and inexplicable. Also, Autumn is physically attacked several times throughout the book and yet is physically and mentally able to come to others' aid in an almost superhuman manner that goes beyond what adrenaline and desire to help would explain. Nevertheless, the book held my interest and is, in my opinion, Nunes' best to date. Good job, Rachel Ann Nunes!

[Krista Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about this book: The paranormal idea was a great character/plot-driving force and I kept my "eyes" open for anything Autumn could use to help her along. The characterization of the villains was just right and wonderfully misleading. The unknown peril of those in danger compelled me to keep reading. There were several twists I didn't see coming. I liked the fact that Autumn was different, she knew it, and was still so comfortable with her "quirks" from her up-bringing while trying to work with her new "gift".

What I struggled with: The clothing descriptions with every scene change. I appreciate it when it's necessary to the plot. I found it frustrating when I just wanted to get on with the story. I also was confused by Autumn's apparent attraction to a third man. I liked the interplay and tension in that relationship, but I didn't know what to do with it. I think it actually hindered my satisfaction with the romantic resolution. Autumn was pretty fickle and a little dense with men (she wouldn't be the first woman).

All in all, I appreciated getting to know Rachel Ann Nunes's writing better. I gave her an additional star for the fact that she is exploring a new genre within LDS fiction and Deseret Books.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I didn't finish this, but I did skim the rest of it. I liked the idea of the story. A psychic has the ability to touch an object and feel the memory and emotions that someone has attached to it. She uses her talent to help people find lost loved ones or solve murders. She gets involved with a case where two young women have disappeared, supposedly joining a cult, but their families think they are being held against their will. She decides to go undercover to try and find them. The main problem I had with the book and the reason that I didn't finish it is because I just could not stand the main character. She is a vegan, barefoot walking, holistic seeking, weirdo. It felt like the author was using this character to "preach" this lifestyle. I mean, it's okay with me that the character is who she is, the problem I have is her dialog and justifications for her behavior are demeaning to those who don't subscribe to it (which I'm guessing is most of the readers out there). I just couldn't relate to her AT ALL, and that is too bad and I couldn't get past it. BLECH!

[Kris Irvin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical stilted LDS fiction. I basically wanted to stab myself in the eye after the fourth or fifth time all organic, all natural, yay hippie stuff was mentioned. Unfortunately for me it's a preachfest throughout the book, although I'm unsure if the author intended it to be that way. Because of the whole "I go barefoot! I don't take medicine, just herbs! I only eat organic, pasture fed meat and raw milk!" stuff everywhere, I ended up hating Autumn. A lot.

But I liked the story, and I really wish I had liked the characters because the story was really good. There were a few excellently done twists at the end that I approved of too. However the ending? Kind of sucked.

I may or may not read more Autumn Rain books. I may have to stick them in the microwave first, to properly nuke all vitamins and minerals to death.

[JulesQ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew exactly what I was getting when I picked this book up and picked it up specifically for those reasons. Meaning I was okay with it when the main character was ridiculously bad at reading the men in her life and the "I like him, but I like this other guy too, and then there's the third guy who likes me, but who I don't like, but COULD if he didn't also not like me."

And, for the record, Nunes (I feel obligated to include that it's pronounces "noon-esh" since that's specified in the "about the author" section) does it skillfully. Meaning it was not annoying. Good job, Nunes! The paranormal element was also skillfully handled and seemed quite plausible. And the mystery, while predictable, was well paced.

So, I got more than I bargained for and in my book, that's a win.

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really entertaining but was also one of the weirdest books! Autumn is the adoptive daughter of hippies so she is very particular about her food choices and she refuses to wear shoes. The book talks about it a lot, which was a little overkill I felt. But Autumn has a strange gift. She can sense the feelings and memories ties with objects. She senses two women running away to a cult and thighs just get crazier from there! It was a very interesting story and concept! Totally kept my interest and am looking forward to reading the next book! Ages 13+

[Jenifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I felt that the main characters eating habits were talked so much about it was almost a main character. It was really distracting from the story and quite annoying. I couldn't recommend this book. It had potential, but after spending all that time reading about what natural rememdies she would use for allergies and that she fasts only for a body cleans I was totally fed up with the organic and free range lifestyle.

[Teya Teya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Okay we all know that she is an established author and blah, blah blah. However this book is entrancing. It gets you right at the edge of your seat and unlike many of her books that kind of pad the sad or bad stuff, this one does NOT! It's hits the gritty and keeps going. You get the bad and the good, while still maintaining cleanliness. I am in the second one already!

[Emorgan05 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh!!! Full disclosure: I stopped after 100 pages.
It was awful! Why do they always have to make the girl so horribly awkward and annoying?

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book started out well. Lots of promise. Then it just ... got lame. The writing was amateurish, rushed and cliched. The romance between two characters was literally, “He kissed me.” The author just puts it out there with no real build-up. There is a balance that authors need to find between giving clues to the future and concealing certain clues to allow for big reveals. This author concealed. Period. That made the relationship fake, jarring and strained.
I also didn’t like how almost preachy the text got when it came to describing the main character’s life choices - “only eat organic,” “don’t wear shoes,” “herbs, not modern medicine.” Pushing agendas that hard ain’t cool.
Ugh, and the ending! It tried to be twisty, but it was predictable, disjointed, and nothing really fit right. The actions of the characters didn’t jive with how the author had developed those characters’ personalities.
The reason I gave it 2 stars instead of one is because there was no swearing or sex. That’s it.

[Susan]

While Tawnia and Bret are happily married and expecting their first child, Autumn has a new gift--reading imprints on objects. It's overwhelming at times as she feels the emotions of past experiences. It will also lead her to the commune Harmony Farm to find a missing woman. After reading two of the books in the Autumn Rain series, Rachel Nunes is really good at hiding the bad guy until the end, or climax, of the story. Exciting read, and "happy day" Autumn and Jake come to a romantic understanding!

[Katrina · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is kind of all over the place. It frustrated me more than anything else. It seemed like I was reading a second book in a series because things were mentioned that I was supposed to already know about. But there isn’t a book before this one that tells these things. “Eyes of a Stranger” tells the background story of the two women but there are discrepancies between the two stories and it doesn’t talk about Autumn’s ability really at all. That just comes from nowhere.

The author also tried too hard to add twists to the story so they just came out as unbelievable to me.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autumn gets imprints from different things she touches. She has helped the police find missing people by touching their belongings and getting imprints or readings off of them. She goes somewhere dangerous in order to find two women who might be in trouble. It is a mystery all the way through, what will happen next??

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one even though it didn’t always make sense to me. The main character’s ability was pretty cool but seemed to only manifest itself when it was useful.

The last few chapters, while action-packed, also kind of drove me crazy. I can’t put my finger on why but there were a lot of things that didn’t really make sense.

Overall still a fun read.

[Yuritzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

There wasn't any good quotes that I thought were good. A moment I like when they start talking about imprints and somethings might be cursed. The major theme imprints on certain objects. All in all , I didn't really like it.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I really like how this author weaves deep characters. The mysteriousness of this series is fun to read. I recommend this to anyone who loves a fun, sweet romance with a mystery thrown in.

[KK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had several twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Just when I thought that I had it all figured out, something completely different happened. This books was engaging, fun, and I didn't want to put it down.

[Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imprints

I loved reading Imprints. It kept my interest right up to the end. It was easy to read and the story of the twins kept me wanting to read more. I always love reading Rachel’s books and would recommend it to everyone.

[Gadgetgayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content:clean, subtle implied rape without details, murder without graphic details, suited more for an adult. I liked this book until about 2/3 of the way in, then it was a bit too much for an antique dealer.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just suspenseful enough with twists and turns to keep it exciting. Add a dash of romance for a terrific book.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, decent surprises and suspense. Probably closer to 2 1\2 Stars.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5; danger, a compound, characters that aren’t what they seem, and a plot twist I didn’t see coming half way through:) well done!

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. I loved that it is clean. It was a quick read that kept be captivated.

[Ranee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I read this before but couldn't remember much. A little over the top with the drama at the rescue, with the main character getting roughed up regularly but a good story.

[Holli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clever storyline and clean read.