Asylum by Dana Wright

 I read this in bed, and had to scurry out to the living room and turn on the light.

Dana Wright has crafted many genres into Asylum. That is quite an undertaking, but she did it well! Murder mystery, ghosts, talking with the dead, time-travel, and romance are intertwined into a story about a modern day woman with a not so modern day talent.

 The main character, Rachel Winestock, can sense the spirits of those who have moved on, and the last thing she needs is a high-profile man who wishes to debunk her talent. Matt Rutledge is the man, and though she wants to despise him, she finds herself craving his belief…as well as his body.

The story flows well, the characters are rich and well-developed, and the writing is impeccable.

Asylum has several twists and turns and I loved following them all. And I will follow this author as well!
4 star

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate

The cold feeling washed over me again--a brew of fear, fascination, and uncertainty. How could all of this be a coincidence? Who'd left this thing on my desk, and with what intention? ~Excerpt from The Story Keeper

The Story Keeper is two books in one. It is about a New York City editor Jen Gibbs, and the historical journey of a Melungeon woman, Sarra. I was captivated by the entwining stories.

Jen Gibbs, a new editor at George Vida's publishing company, discovers a partial manuscript on her desk. Unfortunately, it's from the notorious Slush Mountain—the one no one but the owner himself touches. Unsure of who put it on her desk, Jen is determined to return it, but first, a tiny peek won't hurt. Right?

Wrong. 

Slush Mountain hurtles Jen Gibbs directly to the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. The very place which sheltered her childhood from the outside world. The place she fled from years ago.

The mysterious manuscript grabs Jen by the throat, and won't let go. She must find the author; even if it means visiting painful memories. I couldn't let go of the manuscript either. I traveled with Jen Gibbs through the back roads, and into a world far removed from New York City...and enjoyed every moment.   

The author, Lisa Wingate, has seamlessly captured past and future. Never did I feel jolted from one time period to the other. I probably could sum up this book in two words: full impact. The growth of the main character, Jen Gibbs, is gradual and full. The story of the Melungeon woman, Sarra, and Rand, the man who found her, is astounding.

I found myself whispering parts of this book, savoring the language of Appalachian history with each word.

Be sure to put this book on your TBR list.

 5 stars

Quick question:  Did you google Melungeon?

The Grey Curse by Krista Kelley

There are so many things I enjoyed about this book. The Grey Curse grabbed me in the first couple of sentences: Rebecca Grey stared down at her blood covered hands. While it was animal blood, it still signified the horrible deed. Whoa…I couldn't put it down. I love it when that happens.

Now I'd thought every twist in a vampire/witch story had been done, but The Grey Curse proved me wrong. This is NOT your standard vampire/witch story—or typical love story. There are twists and turns weaved in the plot and you can tell the author put immense effort into the story.

Krista Kelley's writing is impeccable, emotive and imaginative. Though this is a short read, it's a complete one.

When I discovered this was Krista Kelley's debut publication, I was pleasantly surprised. I can't wait to see what else she has in store. Read this book. You won't be disappointed. 

4 stars

Disclosure of Material connection in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255: The author has provided me a copy of this book in exchange for a review.