Wonderful debut novel
599441
So what we have here is a unique blend of Christian fiction with bits of YA paranormal romance.

I know! It sounds terrible!

Well, okay, maybe that doesn't sound terrible to YOU. Maybe you're someone who often enjoys one or both of those genres. I am not. I generally find both cheesy, trite, overly dramatic, and full of irritating protagonists. Thankfully, though, it was not terrible. It was really rather addictive and intriguing. It kept me up past my bedtime on more than one occasion.

This story centers on Holly Idaho, a student at Oklahoma Christian University (my own alma mater, though it's a little different nowadays from the version in the book--sophomores don't have curfew and, alas, the coffee shop is no more). Her life takes a sudden turn for the weird and creepy as one bizarre scare after another hits her. Her friend Peter reveals that it's all happening because a demon is stalking her as his prey, and Peter himself is an auguren, a member of a long line of demon hunters. The quest to protect Holly's soul will not be at all simple, featuring an attack by a Satanic cult and a trip to Saltmarch, the homeland of demons itself.

I found the take on demons to be really interesting. The main demon of the piece confuses me some, though. He and Peter both insist to Holly that he is evil and irredeemable, yet he occasionally comes off as a good character. He also occasionally comes off as a creepy, possessive stalker of the obsessive love variety, though, so there's that too. I don't know. I'm glad this is part one of a trilogy because I definitely was left wanting some more answers.

Really, the only thing that I wasn't crazy about in this book was the amount of time Holly spends in tears, incapacitated, or otherwise in serious need of rescue. It never felt unbelievable (I'm sure I'd cry too if all that happened to me), but it started to get a little old. I'm hoping she's a more "active" character in the next book.
3727873
This is Sarah Loudin Thomass debut novel. I found it to be a fantastic piece of writing. She did a marvelous job of creating a variety of characters that were easy to understand. Some of them just plain frustrated me, but then again to be honest I get frustrated with people at times in real life. The interaction between the characters was very realistic. The two main characters, Perla Long and Casewell Phillips were easy for me to connect with though. They had a number of very heavy obstacles to negotiate just to get through everyday life.

The story explores some deep issues about judgment and forgiveness, so in that sense it is not a light read. But it is done in a small town setting and that helps to make it feel lighter.

I especially enjoyed the way that the characters grew and developed in their own lives and in how they related to each other. I loved the paths that many of them took as they were learning about the importance of forgiveness to personal lives as well as to the well-being of an entire community.

I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
3787444
This story has a little bit of everything ... romance, adventure, and characters you root for to the end. Sister Margaret Mary comes alive under the skillful hands of author Catherine Castle. Margaret Mary has spunk, determination, and a fiery temper, but it's her caring heart that keeps readers wondering until the last page how her decisions will affect everyone she loves. This is a wonderful debut novel!
Teresa Cleary, author
Front Porch Reflections
1353582
This is a adult romance book, by that i do not mean it is full out dirty, but it does have some very sexy scenes in it. I mean it is for grown ups who have loved and lost and are taking that very daunting step into a new romance and second chances at life. This is a debut novel from a new author and it is a very, very good debut novel. There is plenty of depth to the characters, some suspense concerning an event in the book and the revelation, and some very funny and touching moments. The female lead will be connectable to all that read the story, she is vulnerable but strong and smart. The men in the book are equally as connectable to the reader. The characters all go on a journey and the reader gets swept along with them. I will be keeping a close eye on Allyson Sinclair and her future work as this lady has great promise in her writing that i will be looking to see what her next release will bring us :)
137172
CROSSING OVER, a wonderful debut novel by Jennifer Coissiere, tells the story of Rachelle Martin, whose mother passed away when she was 15, and how she has coped with her passing for the past 15 years. Rachelle has a beautiful voice, but an event she believes she caused so many years ago, hinders her from singing.

We are introduced to Rachelle's twin brother Raheem and we witness when he meets Leigh.  Leigh is very interesting to him but, she brings drama to the group when they start dating.  We also meet Rachelle's best friend Dawn and Raheems best friend Kenyon, both of whom have secrets.  The two have to hold it together for Rachelle when she decides it's time for her to sing again.

Coisssiere seamlessly weaves these lives together into a story that I enjoyed very much.  Fans of Christian fiction will enjoy this as it deals with real life issues, with a Christian faith storyline that is interesting, yet not preachy, and twists and turns with a bit of drama.  I look forward to her next book. Excellent read!

Reviewed by Linda Chavis
for The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
4856220
I really really enjoyed this debut novel. The characters really come to life, a great story. Definitely should be made into a film.
Brilliant ending can't wait for book two. Highly recommend, a new one for all the book clubs out there.
3131455
As an avid reader, I am happy to find an author with an interesting way to tell her story.  The concept of reading a letter written to my future self is so intriguing I just may write a letter to my sixty (some year) self to see how things turn out!  This debut novel immediately grabbed my attention, I even decided to spend the whole day with the book, and it was time well invested.  The author's beautiful language painted the picture of troubled souls, I was eager to discover the results of their actions.  In addition, the depiction of a couple navigating the journey of infertility particularly interested me, as it is a topic rarely covered in novels.  It was very true to the hopeful, painful cycle of the yearning for a child, and I confess to shedding a tear or two.  Bravo to this new author, who I hope will share many more stories with us.

I received a copy of Letters for Scarlet in exchange for an honest review.
3622913
Excellent debut novel! The  author finds a way to make the reader really feel for the main characters while the story unfolds. Our book club read this book recently and everyone loved it! Well done!
3523674
With SAM, Luke F Harris presents a stunning debut.  By combining a compelling story with universal themes (even to those outside the LGBT community) and top-notch writing, SAM emerges an almost perfect novel.

Although the opening chapter reveals certain details of the ending, Harris proves that lifeand his storyis about the journey rather than the destination.  Having a little foresight about the conclusion takes some pressure off and allows the reader to invest in the characters present situations.  The result is a deep connection with the protagonists as they navigate the personal and societal implications of their attraction and relationship.  Touching upon love, happiness, grief, jealousy, social stigma, resilience and hope, SAM has something for everyone.

The writing is clean and lightfull of vibrant description without weighing down the flow.  The plot is perfectly paced, and Harris displays a talent for moving forward and backward in time with ease.

Finally, in a world where the gay community is often portrayed as promiscuous and detached, SAM offers an alternative view; one filled with warmth, devotion and light.  In spite of the sad ending, it will leave readers hopeful.  Im definitely looking forward to more from this author.
3981418
Terrific debut novel.  A gripping plot, well written, and well paced.  I'll be anxiously waiting for his second.  Kudos to Kindle First!
3429934
Several other readers have already summed up this book's contents more eloquently than I could hope to, so I will merely affirm that I think this is a beautifully written debut novel!  The resourceful, compassionate, hardworking heroine, Ella, is fiercely protective of her friends, family and the less fortunate, but she's definitely imperfect and so is very relatable. Her sheer determination in all things conjured in my mind the image of Maria in The Sound of Music when she says, "When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window" as she embarks on her journey from novitiate to governess. Ella is similarly inclined to optimism, but her very human tendency to allow doubt to creep in keeps her real.

There are a number of threads in this book left deliberately untied, and I hope the author doesn't make us wait too long for the follow-up! I highly recommend this book!
2164379
Not a thriller, not a mystery, not anything but a wonderful debut novel about how a young man's kidnapping and his return to his family after four years affects all.  I couldn't believe that this was the first novel that the author had written as the narrative was illuminating and the characters real.  Although the book was set in and around Corpus Christi, Texas and I'd never been there, I felt that I really knew the area due to the author's skill in portraying the water, heat, etc.  This is not the type of book I usually would pick up to read, but I am so glad I did and I do recommend it.
3993246
This is a beautiful standalone novel by a new author.  Shyanne is in witness protection in a college town after being rescued from a criminal syndicate.  She was abandoned or betrayed in the worst possible way by those closest to her and was left without family or a purpose for going on.  She found her recovery in the rescue of abused and neglected horses as well as in the new life she begins.  The story centers around the central question of whether Shyanne can put her past behind her and allow herself to fall in love and commit to a relationship or will her past find her and end her life or wipe the slate clean again with a new identity.

The author has a great writing style and does a fantastic job of writing college-aged characters that look and sound their age.  The secondary characters are absolutely fantastic and I hope we get to read their stories in the future.

(Note: I was privileged to serve as a beta reader for this debut novel.)
4775335
A wonderful first novel by an author who I pray will grace us with more of her mind and heart. The characters and story are moving, engrossing, and refreshing.
4285201
This is a great debut novel. It was hard to put it down. I especially enjoyed how the "science fiction" aspect weaves harmoniously into the plot. It is important for the development of the story, but it is not intrusive into the police thriller that unfolds.
3800526
In a wonderful book debut, Rayme Waters tells the compelling story of Cinnamon Monday, a feisty and courageous young girl growing up in Northern California in a mostly well-meaning but dysfunctional family of sorts. Straddling two worlds of tired glamour and seedy unconventionality, the ever-resilient Cinnamon makes plenty of dismal choices and occasionally resorts to the unlikely moral guidance she channels from the 18th century heroine Jane Eye. The realism of the book and its beautiful style contributed to its power and I found myself captivated by Cinnamon's bumpy, often tension-filled, journey towards adulthood and personal redemption. I loved it and subsequently bought it as a gift for friends. Now I can't wait to see what other stories this author has in store for us.
613879
Absolutely wonderful read a debut novel from an author I will be following. Olivia a young woman is dealing with her mothers death Olivia is a character you will fall in love with this is not a depressing novel Olivia is too engaging to full of life heart. Highly recommend,