A terrific read again from Elizabeth Hunter
581136
A part of the Elemental series, this book builds onto the great plot and another of the Elementary Mystery series' main characters. I like the way E.H. has given a separate great story line/book for each of the important characters in the series, yet all connected to one another. Each as exciting and loveable as the others.
3953729
Loved this story!  After reading the author's first book "Almost", I was excited to see her second book "Unmaking Hunter Kennedy" become available.  Again, an excellent story, with great character development and insight into the world of teenagers, that as a parent I need to be reminded of.  I do not understand what the previous reviewer was talking about with the editing problems, but I just purchased a copy of this well-written book for my daughter's Kindle.  Thank you Anne Eliot for another winner!
298761
Personally, I love Elizabeth Hunter books.  The characters are very likable and I usually wish I could follow them even after the book has been completed.  The reading is easy yet keeps me looking for what is around the next page.
4857676
This book is by far Ms. Hunter's best work.  The character development and plot are top-notch making the story much more than the average romantic tale.  A great read for those who enjoy general fiction, as well as romantic novels.
3001072
Ms Smy has written another superb period romance/drama. It was thoroughly enjoyable from cover to cover. I didn't want to put it down; really resenting the other daily commitments intervening in my reading time. She draws her characters so well they are completely believable as well as describing in great detail the situations in which they find themselves. Her main character, Maggie is completely absorbing. Born into poverty, sold into marriage/slavery she manages to find a way to keep sane as well as surviving. It was such a relief to find that she didn't lose her moral compass when she may have done. She remains true to herself. Her relationship with her son being the icing on the cake. A thoroughly good read with her usual twist to keep you guessing.[...]
2805748
Once again Jillian Hunter has woven her own special blend of magic with her latest book, Abandon.  Ms. Hunter is one of the few writers today that can weave a tale around romance, mystery, intrigue while lacing it with her own style of humor.  When you read her books, you can't help but enjoy them!
As is her usual style, Hunter pits the lead male and female characters against each other.  Sparks, both romantic and other, fly.  Morweena Halliwell has lived on the Island of Abandon for most of her life while her father researched the ties the island had to King Arthur.  Anthony Hartstone recently inherited the island from his brother and uses it as a bargaining tool in getting a child labor bill passed through parliament.
Since the new owner, the Marquess of Camelbourne, requires several major renovations before he takes possession of the island, Anthony is stuck on Abandon until all work is completed.  In the meantime, Morweena is determined to change his mind about selling her homeland and uses all of the powers at her disposal.
With the right combination of humor and romance the story flows along carrying the reader on a peaceful and relaxing journey.  You can always count on Hunter's support characters to be interesting and colorful.  I haven't read a book by Jillian Hunter in which I didn't laugh out loud at some point during the story.  Abandon also holds true to this, with humor entwined throughout.  The sight of Morweena being chased down a hill by the local warlock, who casts spells on villagers for a price, is so hilarious that the reader can't help but chuckle.  Maybe I should tell you that the evil sorcerer is chasing Morweena because she threw rocks at him.  She threw them trying to save he released a puppy that he was planning to use in a spell.  A large rock hit him, allowing the puppy to escape his grasp.  Having the puppy running around growling and nipping at the heels of the warlock only added comedic fodder to the entire scene.  It was pure Jillian Hunter and a mental image that will remain with readers for a long time.
Although I enjoyed Abandon and found it to be a quick read, I was more fond of Indiscretion the book published prior to this one.  If you're in the mood for a few giggles, a heart-warming romance, and a mystery aspect that most people can figure out, then this is definitely the book for you to read, as are any of her previous novels.
Rumor has it that Jillian Hunter's next book is due out in August.  I can't wait!
3987788
I haven't actually read this book yet but I LOVE the books in the Irin Chronicles series by Elizabeth Hunter and I know I'll love this book, too! I pre-order all of her books because I know when I pick up her latest release, I'll love it just as much as her previous books. I've read and absolutely love E Hunter's other series, Elemental Mysteries and the spin-off Elemental World, which I read before the Irin Chronicles. In all of these series, Hunter creates wonderful worlds and characters and she is one of my favorite contemporary writers. The books are well balanced, descriptive but not wordy making the books "easy to read", but they are often pretty intense. I thoroughly enjoy the worlds Ms. Hunter creates in her books and look forward to many, many more!
659702
This year I have fallen in love with Elizabeth Strout's books.  This is the third I've read.  All very different but similar in the keen personalities and stories. Very personal.  In spite of character defects, Elizabeth shows us the bit of good in all.  My Name is Lucy Barton is the most personal.  I could not put it down.
4423591
Excellent channeling of Elizabeth Peters. Enjoyed returning to characters,country and especially Amelia's admiration of Emerson's manly attributes as well as his obvious reciprocity of her womanly charms. Admit to being a fervent fan and happy reading another book.
1712130
Even though I missed Nana's one-legged boyfriend, I enjoyed the latest Passport to Mystery.

I admit that I didn't have this one figured out.  However, I think had I not been distracted (voluntarily and gloriously) by the wonderful characters, I would have seen the clues and not been surprised with the ending.

Hunter's novels (including this one) are light reading, laugh out loud funny, and wonderful views into a variety of personalities (including older people who have not lost their love of life and adventure).
1622533
I fell on this series reading about Elizabeth Hunter's friendship with Grace Draven and their joint work on another project.  Grace Draven is another fantasy author who I adore.  Without hesitation I downloaded book 1, which was offered for free and had barely finished it when I purchased the remainder of the series.  Generally not a fantasy reader, I don't do zombies and vampires, I must tell you, this was terrific.  I am now reading the Elemental World series.  (I bought all 3 novels and the 3 novellas so I didn't have to pause.)  With the first volume of the Elemental Mysteries at no charge you can afford to try it a la carte as I did.

And if you have not yet discovered Grace Draven, get yourself over there.
2005972
This is a wonderful and fun read. Elizabeth Craig's knows her characters and location. I am looking for more of her stories.
4203329
I would love to spend a week or two at Storyton Hall, every afternoon partaking of Mrs. Hubbard's tea, sandwiches and pastries, while people-watching and catching snippets of conversation, maybe even about the latest mystery. In the latest book set there, Mystery in the Secret Garden, the special visiting group is a gathering of medieval herbalists. One of their members is an expert in plant-based poisons, which figures in one of the murders. The other is an apparent drowning. There is a wedding to take place in the Storyton Hall garden, the responsibility of Jane Steward, a return of Edwin, her mystery man and her twin sons Hem and Fitz to keep track of. I love the way Jane not only takes her motherly role seriously, but is making sure that her spunky boys are taught manners a moral code and work ethic.
The mysteries are complex, but fairly presented, so there is a chance to solve them, though I did not.
My favorite feature of these books is the character development and relationships between the characters and this book does not disappoint. I always learn fun facts in Ellery Adams' books, this time about plants and plant lore and wonderful snippets about literature and poetry.
I can't resist mentioning that it tickles me that a few of the characters have names that reflect their work, though it isn't overdone; The cook, Mrs. Hubbard (her cupboard is never bare), the gardener, Tom Green and owners of the Pickled Pig Market, the Hogg Brothers. Perfect!
I highly recommend this book and the whole series!
40499
I was eagerly anticipating this second book and I loved it, it's as good if not better than book 1. The series is different from the other books that I have read by Ms Hunter but the quality of her writing, her world building skills and the depth of her characters do not change. The chemistry between Diana and Tharaen is instant and their story makes for fantastic reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
2611762
The Secret exposed my need, my grief, and my longing for love, both human and of my heavenly Father.
I am simultaneously drained and full.  Emptied and whole.
Ms. Hunter's characters (in ALL of her books) have richness, a depth that makes me wish they were real. I laugh with gusto; I sob with pain.
Do not read The Secret without preparing yourself for an emotional reckoning. I am a better person than I was before I read it.
And I'll re-read the series starting tomorrow.
Thank you, Elizabeth Hunter, for sharing your amazing talent.
472426
I have recently discovered this author and have enjoyed every book of hers that I have read thus far.

This book is exceptional.  In 1841, the main character, Emma Garret is the owner of Hill House, a boarding house in the village of Candlewood, N.Y.  She finds herself ministering to her guests and employees with love and wisdom.  She even finds herself in the middle of a family feud when a grandmother runs away from home and lands on her doorstep.

Emma is a widow who use to own the general store before she bought Hillside House.  Now she learns thru her lawyer that she might not own it after all.  She is quite distressed over this news.  This would mean life-changes for her and her guests.  She longs to correct this and restore peace to Hill House and within her heart.

I found myself laughing out loud at some of the episodes in this story especially one where something occured on Main St. that left chicken running wild inside and out of businesses, etc.

You won't be sorry if you decide to read this book as you will find yourself in the middle of a beautiful time and place among quaint and colorful characters.
3395237
Wonderfully written, this book is an entertaining mix of adventure, magic and romance with a beautiful message. I can't wait to read whatever Elizabeth has planned for her next novel.