Fantastic story that refuses to let you forget that only ...
586498
Not just your average romance novel. This is 2 lives changed by time and circumstances. From childhood to adulthood, from poverty to success. Their story is one you won't soon forget. It grips you from the very beginning and weaves it's magical spell around you until all you can do is think about what will happen next even after you've gone to work or doing your normal every day stuff. I couldn't stop thinking about it.. Fantastic story that refuses to let you forget that only love can heal the heart. It never gives up and really sends you on a ride you won't likely want to get off of. I think this book is actually good for men and women both. It's deep and a total pleasure to read. I was so sad when it was over because I wanted to read them into old age. Great book and that's an understatement.
1545954
Very seldom I venture to write reviews about historical romances, although I am a HUGE fan of them, but this book has stayed with me and refuses to go away. What a beautifully written story!! For people with family or relatives with the condition (like I have), I guessed on the first pages that Ian has Asperger's Syndrome: the inability to make eye contact, the photographic memory, difficulty expressing emotions, being literal when it comes to jokes, etc. And this is what makes this story one to treasure and remember.
So far, from the whole saga, this one is the true keeper!
1934913
I've read this book three times, and plan to reread it again soon.  I still can't stop thinking about it. I was really 'not in this world' anymore when I finished this fantastic story.

What a read!

Being a voracious reader, I know from the first few sentences whether I am hooked or not, and this was obviously one to just go with!!

I loved the premise, and the characters were quirky and real.

The style of the writing was deceptively simple so everyone can read and love this story, but it is also very sophisticated in the sense that it assumes that the reader and the author are sharing this experience together.

One doesn't need to be convinced of the plot.  That is not a simple thing to do when reading about ghosts, but Dewey's total involvement makes it very real.  I can truly say that I just  know that this happened!

I highly reccommend "Aaron's Crossing" for anyone who hopes that their next read is an incredible one.

This one is.

You'll love it!
4359672
Wonderful story; couldn't stop reading the book!
1385585
This story has staying power  any strong emotion (love, death) would of course fade with time but it isn't the kind of book that you finish, close the covers and go, say, fishing and thats that. It does stay with you, it clings to you and brings on more thoughts... somehow it wants you to think deeper and deeper about the 'whys' of the story.  I noticed the device that John Lane the author used brilliantly... the prologue that gives us a glimpse into the story and the ending with the trip back to Huntsville, that made me weep for Ben, for all the others I met along. This is not the story of the elusive and beautiful Novie Moreland, the widow, as I thought while aching for her along with Ben Crocker throughout the story. All I read and loved about every character, from villains to saints is grafted on the background of the heart breaking lives of the cotton mill workers in South Carolina's past.
There are so many books out there and so little time to read but this one is a fast read and will reward you handsomely!
2870015
This is a fantastic story that's hard to put down. This is a novel that so many families being torn apart by crisis can relate to. Read it you won't be disappointed. I'm looking forward to the next book.
4739690
I was not going to review this book...  Paraphrasing for the difference in artistic context:
"IN SHORT: Wow. Flat out wow.
Have you ever had one of those reading experiences where your concentration was so fixated on  the story that everything else was shut out? That you called all your  friends afterwards and told them 'YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!' and when they  asked 'Why?,' you had to answer 'I can't tell you.' If not, you are about  to. This is not a question of not giving away the story, this is a story  that is so well written, with details so intricately woven into the entire  piece that some idiot reviewer somewhere will feel compelled to lay out  every detail and wreck the experience for you.  Not me."
On a scale  of 5, a 6.  Whatever your age, you will never regret having read this book.
3921056
In this story we have several key characters and stories woven around them. We have Lillian who yearns for independence and freedom  to follow her parents dream. This dream forces her to defy the only family she has known and head out on her own (something not heard of much in those days!). She is forced to learn about herself and simple life skills she never had to deal with being from a wealthy family.
Woodward Colton her new employer has been plagued by vicious rumours and a terrible tragedy. The small town he lives in is awful to him and we witness this through out the story and how he holds his head above it all. The worst tragedy for him is that his son will no longer speak due to the familys past tragedy.

It is this history that is brought to the forefront of the story as the novel progresses. We learn more about the past and how it is woven  into the future. We watch our characters grow in emotional and spiritual strength as they cling together in order to make it through the most difficult times that they have ever faced. Beyond The Silence was a fantastic story from start to finish, that I just could not (and did not want to!) put down.
321013
The minute I started MERELY MAGIC I knew I held one heck of a compelling story in my hands.  Having been a fan of Ms. Rice's for years I knew her  storytelling abilities were phenomenal whether in the contemporary or  historical genres.  Her characters are deep, sensual and have a humorous  side too to give you a full-bodied tale you don't soon forget.
I love the  magical theme of MERELY MAGIC.  Ninian Malcolm Siddons is a witch with the  art of healing those in the village of Wystan beneath the Castle belonging  to Earl Drogo Ives, newely returned to the area.  Lord Ives doesn't realize  all the local folklore about the Malcolm witches and Ives devils.  All the  Ives' are dark, handsome and extremely virile and always sire males. The  Malcolm witches are all women, fair of face with golden locks and they  always birth females.  They have a bad history that Drogo knows nothing  about between the families.  It's rumored if the two families intermarry  the town will be destroyed.  Guess what happens?  You'll love the  chaos!
There is so much love, magic, and crazy family situations to sort  out that I know you are going to love being a part of this magical novel of  two extraordinary people who through the magic of love and working together  make this an unforgettable story to cherish.  I'm hoping to hear more of  the Malcolms and Ives' in the future.  They are unbelievably fascinating  characters that I know Ms. Rice can bring to life with verve.
1169069
fantastic story rooted heavily in historical and actual fact even though this is a fictional story. the only comment of any note is the use of unknown words that requires a interruption to access the dictionary or explanation notes. sure wish there was some way to  click on the unknown word and instantly go to the explanation with minimal interruption to the readers focus in the narrative.
4834781
I can't say enough how much I loved this story. As a true book addict, this story had everything I look for: a strong heroine with enough imperfections to make her realistic yet compelling, likable, well rounded characters that gave the story depth and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end with enough twists and turns to make it fun. I found myself hooked from the first chapter and was pulled to read the story on my iPad and phone every chance I got. Jennifer Templeman is one of my new favorite authors and I can only hope a sequel is due out soon.
3677278
Absolutely amazing story told in a way that will make you not want to put the book down!  Read this in a few nights and passed it along to my sister.  Highly recommended to anyone in any form!
3354234
Once again, a fantastic story that will keep you up late at night because you don't want to stop reading. Go read the first book, then read this one, then sit on your hands waiting for the sequel to come out.

The only downside was the editing. This had incorrect words just a bit too often for my taste. I'm not sure what happened compared to the last, but care in proof-reading is a must.
1018269
This a fantastic read, could not leave it down until I finished it.  definitely for over 18's.  The story is gripping throughout, all I will say is read it for yourself.
3264650
I read this novel in a single afternoon.  Forward held me bound from cover to cover.  The fast forward pace of the at times suspenseful story combines with the true emotional bonds between the characters to create an unforgettable (and at times unfathomable) whole.  Forward has created an entire world for her readers to fall in love with, complete with a history and mythology of its own, and its hidden right within our own.  Forward has created a fantastic ending for this novel.  I love how things end up and cant wait to see what comes next for these Magi.  Ill admit, Im addicted.  This novel could potentially be read as a standalone, but the previous novels in the series give context to a great many things.

Astrids strong, witty, at times funny personality is endearing.  Her need to take care of herself and those she loves, and the ability to do so in all circumstances, is fantastic.  Kanes chivalry clashes with his knowledge that Astrid can take care of herself, and is frankly, medieval at times.  Ah, the things you come to know about these characters by the end of the novel.  Youve really got to feel for Zannis & his situation, regardless of the way that he blunders about it at times.  The gap between whats happening and what he believes is happening leads to some confusion on his part, but makes him all the more endearing to readers, in a larger than life, over the top kind of way.  I definitely didn't see the Kane-Astrid-Zannis love triangle turning out the way that it did, but it was utterly fantastic!

This is one of those series that Im sad to be caught up on because it means Ill have to wait (impatiently I might add) for the release of the next instalment.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
3433389
I can't even put into words how much I loved this book. I LOVED IT.
Once I got passed the whole "territory war" nonsense that was boring me to tears, and got to the heart of the story, i was just completely invested. Some people may claim the story is too predictable. I don't mind that as long as the story is relate-able and well told, and it definitely was. I loved the characters and the unique setting. This is the sort of book that can break your heart, but leave it warmed by the end. Just a fantastic read and probably my favorite book I've read this year.
My highest recommendation.
2435375
I keep thinking about these characters and situations they've gone through. It's an awesome story that isn't predictable and it's definitely a page turner. To sum it up, a fantastic, entertaining read, that will stick with you!
Also,the music that plays throughout the book is killer! Love, Love, Love it! Can't wait until more is released from this author!