This was a great first novel for this series
344886
This was a great first novel for this series. She builds this world and it's characters in such a way that it is a great spring board for other books.
4349722
I enjoyed this first book of the series...the characters were real and enjoyable being from an Italian heritage. It seemed not  like a mystery novel mostly than one of witchcraft, which is what I was looking for,but I feel it was an intro into her new skill as a witch and believing in and trusting her skill as a witch. I be would therefore recommend it,and look forward to reading the next in series as ok anticipate it will be more focused on her learning and practicing and fine tuning her witchcraft, at least I hope so.
2168444
This was a great first novel for Ms. McKenna's new series. Both hero and heroine have their scars. This is a story of healing with several appealing secondary characters, especially the founders of the organization for which Cav and Lia works. I listened to the audio version and part of my enjoyments is the wonderful narrator, Johanna Parker.
4272390
I really enjoyed reading this first Ballard novel and am looking forward to learning more about her in upcoming installments.
1100025
I really enjoyed this short novel as a prequel to the series. Ella and Rathan are charismatic characters and i really loved the way Ella adapted to her situation when she was dethroned as Luminess and accepted to carry out the job she was entrusted with ie. meeting up with the hermit Quanthum and handing over the leaf. I also loved the fact that she took to the prophecy and believed that she would birth a son who would be a great healer and decided to marry Rathan her life protector. I do think this is a great start to an even greater series.
4154438
This book should have been called Sahara Rising. she really lived for me.

I really loved how she started off as an ordinary girl, and not just that she had lots of problems, more than her fair share. But she took control and that's what it's all about. It was a bit violent, but I think that the author was trying to create a situation where someone would up sticks and leave everything they knew. And few of us would do that unless we were really scared.

There were lots of twists and turns and little side stories that kept you guessing and hardly a dull moment, and I loved it that there was no loose ends.

It's a great debut novel and a great start to a series.
1803038
What a great start to a series. The author put just enough into the series setup to not make it take over the story. I appreciated the depth of the characters, though I must say it took me awhile to warm up to the heroine. She was her own worst enemy at times. I liked the premise and the pacing of the novel, though it was a slow starter for me. I think that what I enjoyed most was the humor with which Ms. Helm writes. There were several laugh out loud moments for me. I will definitely stick with this series.
*I received my copy through NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
4301844
This book is really excellent, especially considering it is a first novel for the author. Yes it is long, but necessary to establish this complex world and corresponding characters.  Plenty of action and very well written. I am looking forward to the next volume. I hope and expect that he will add some romance as the main characters mature. Doesn't need to be X-rated just PG-13.
1192574
When I first started this novel, I was not sure I would like it. However, the author's depth of characterization and wide breadth of knowledge captured my attention.  This is the first book in a series, and each one seems to get better! If you are looking for a fast paced whodunit, this is not your book, but if you are looking for an understanding of how people act and react, this is an excellent beginning.
218801
Needled tells the first chapter in the story of two crime fighters. The duo Dr. Ma and David are otherworldly creatures who in their human form practice Chinese medicine and run a dojo in Palm Beach. This first chapter also introduces many great supporting characters such as Winnie, the office manager and Agent Brenner their police contact. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the crime solving parts as well as the parts in their medical practice. I also loved reading about the hard knocks romance of David and the pining of Dr. Ma for her long lost lover (who puts in a special appearance). There was a lot of texture to this novel and a great first effort. If you are looking for something a little different. Something that combines paranormal crime fighting  with Lilly Pulitzer, Needled is your kind of book.  Happy readings!
2921750
I really enjoyed this first novel.  The story was one of slave & master and their families.  Contrary to several "one star" reviews I found the characters to be very engaging and the story flowed nicely.  I love books about this time period and the day to day workings of a plantation & the people who make up the plantation.  The ending was a great one that I didn't see coming at all & that helps make a good novel to me.  I look forward to more by this author.  A very solid 4 stars.
3612572
What a great first novel !  I can't wait until the next one in this series comes out next year.
1917337
I first heard of Dawn Crandall on FB, through other authors I know and follow. One of my author friends mentioned Ms. Crandall's debut novel and recommended it. There was a Goodreads giveaway that I entered to win a copy of her debut novel, but I did not win. So I was curious about the book after reading the online description and having no current book to read, I decided to go ahead and purchased it. (Now there is a novel idea! LOL).

The Hesitant Heiress is a historical novel set in Maine, during the gilded age. I thought this might be a difficult read for me because I am not much for history or historical novels. Perhaps that is why, for me this first novel of Ms. Crandall while engaging sometimes felt like it was a bit dragy and left me needing more information about all the characters, the connection between the characters and while I understand there was a certain mystery throughout the story it took a long time to connect the dots.

 The main focus of this novel was on Amaryllis Brigham and Nathan Everstone. Amaryllis attended the Boston Conservatory of Music with the hopes of one day going home to Seattle, Washington to start her very own music school. But her plans change rather quickly when she is expelled from the school and sent to her Aunt's in Boston. She learns she is to inherit a large sum of money from her grandmother, but in order to get the money there is a condition that must be meant. This is a love story that like most goes back n forth; yes I love him no I do not. This story does teaches us that our plans are not greater or better than the One who has created us.

For a first novel it is a great start for Ms. Crandall and I am looking forward to the book two in this series.
362335
Great first book for this author. The fast pace and complex characters make this action/romance novel a real page turner. It will be interesting to see where this series goes. Can't wait for the next one to come out. Two thumbs up!
1672356
Excellent first effort for this author.  Like other readers, I don't want to give too much away, but there are some unique races and magic systems that I particulary enjoyed as well as the concept of the soulweb itself.  The book definitely hints at a sequel.  I look forward to reading it.
419499
Full disclosure: I once lived in the 'real' Banner Bluff so this was like going home again. But that aside, this was a great mystery with human insight; it was a pageturner which I didn't want to end. Several of the characters made great decisions and I liked that aspect of the author's point of view. Some of the writing a bit awkward; maybe trying to fit in too many details, but still a great first novel. This is poised to be a series; I look forward to the next installment.
4231503
What an exciting book from Kelley Armstrong. I loved her 1st YA novel. Having read all of her adult books, I wasn't sure what to expect. "The Summoning" was a really great start.
It was a little slow in the middle. The story wandered a little. It seemed that Chloe {the main character} took a long time to realize what was happening to her. But that's also normal for a 1st in series book. Now all the ground work is layed, so I'm really looking forward to reading the next 2 books.