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Reviews of My Books
West of Heaven by Barbara Scott
Ms. Scott has penned another winner about a down on his luck hero, a headstrong young lady, and the “fancy ladies” that come as part of her inheritance.
Jean Luc Desloge, Lucky, seems to be anything but. He is linked to both his former boss’s murders, and spends his days loitering in town, trying his best to drown himself in rot-gut whiskey.
Marcella McGovern was raised in the best boarding schools and taught to be the proper young woman, never knowing her generous benefactor. When advised of her benefactress’ death, she travels with her attorney to Onion Creek, Texas to learn the details of her inheritance. She quickly learns she was the daughter of Sophie Castleman, owner of Miss Sophie’s Bath and Gentlemen’s Parlors, and wealthy cattleman, Clint Harte, who were mysteriously murdered. She inherits her father’s cattle, and her mother’s brothel, along with the four “fancy ladies” who reside there.
The Widow Harte, furious her husband left his cattle to his “love child,” offers to buy them back, at a greatly reduced price, or Marcella must move them off the land in five days. She also threatens any cowboy who signs up for the cattle drive, would never work again.
Desperate to hire men to move her cattle, Marcella overhears her “ladies” discuss their ability to “ride,” and decides they will be her cowboys to herd the cattle to Kansas. She convinces Lucky to help “train” them to rope, ride and wrangle, and the fun begins.
Come along for the ride with this rag tag bunch of cowpokes, as they try to herd over two thousand cattle across the plains. You’ll spend the next few hours enjoying the trip. Debbie Hull, author of The Men in Her Life
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4.0 out of 5 stars A good mix and full of life,
By Fair and Balanced (Southern Oregon Coast)
This review is for: West of Heaven (Kindle Edition)
A taste of everything this world has to offer in the pages of a worthwhile read. A little love...a little hate...a touch of humor and just enough suspense...
Jean tries to make himsel worthy enough to catch the eye of the society lady Marcel the woman wo comes to realize she has strength she didnt know she had.
An intriguing Western that transports the reader into a time and place she will not soon forget.
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By Fiction with Flair Reviews "Stephenia McGee" - See all my reviews
This review is from: West of Heaven (Kindle Edition)
I don't usually read westerns, but the story of a fancy boarding school lady who suddenly inherits bawdy house and herd of Texas cattle from the parents she never knew intrigued me. Then when the girls from Miss Sophie's decide to train to become cowboys and trail the cattle themselves, I was hooked!
Marcella, the heroine, is kind and generous and soon learns just how strong she really is. Known around town as "Lucky", Jean Luc is a lonely cowboy trying to drown all that haunts him in the depths of a bottle of malt liquor. Would he ever be worthy of this beautiful, high-class lady who is bent on making her own way?
Scott weaves a unique western tale that blends action, adventure, love and new beginnings. Her characters are vibrant and well-written. The romance builds with a depth of emotion, and has a few sensual scenes between the couple. West of Heaven draws the reader in and doesn't let go until the last page!
Laurie:
“An adventure unlike any I’ve ever read…Rich with an authentic western flavor, this story embraces and celebrates gripping feminine fortitude. If you enjoy western adventures sprinkled with a touch of sweet romance, this is a book you will certainly want to read.”
HAUNTS OF THE HEART, Spirits Book One
by Barbara Scott
Paranormal Historical
"... this beautifully written and sometimes sad story of haunting love is so achingly bittersweet that I found myself hoping for a HEA for Neal, Deanna, and at times even Anthony. After a slow journey into a past that is filled with deception, murder, and the black market, this tale quickly heats up and definitely left me at times hating Anthony and his attitude about his past and the secrets he has kept. Just when I thought Haunts of the Heart could not shock me anymore, the twists and turns of the ending had me raging and screaming because of the story’s stunning cliffhanger." Coffee Time Romance
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Recommended Read:
Haunts of the Heart features one woman’s search for why two ghosts inhabit her childhood home. The ghosts, Anthony and Neal died during the American Civil War, each under circumstances that neither fully understood. Deanna attempts to discover what is keeping them tied to her home and in doing so falls in love with Neal. But Neal’s secrets are as deep as those binding Anthony and while the truth will set each free, the truth is also what will tear their friendship apart and hurt them deeper than their own deaths have.
Usually 1/2 of Ch. 1 as a sample wouldn’t be enough to induce me to buy a book but Neal is such an engaging ghost with a charming sense of humor that I didn’t want leave him quite yet. Plus I’m a big fan of stories set in and around the American civil war that I’m usually inclined to take more of gamble on the book than I might otherwise. And lastly I couldn’t resist the cover. I’m a sucker for beautiful cover art and southern mansions call to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed Haunts of the Heart and was very pleasantly surprised by what the story turned into. More than just a romantic interlude. I was especially touched by the plot line between Neal and Anthony. I bought and read the entire book yesterday as I found I couldn't put it down. Reviewer: Marcia
*****
Haunts of the Heart
It has often been said that one cannot return home. When Deanna Butterworth’s
world comes crashing down around her, she seeks refuge in her childhood home.
Left clinging to life in the cold, sterile confines of a hospital following an
automobile accident, Deanna escapes from it all – leaving the hospital and
rushing to her house.
She is surprised to discover that means also returning to a set of Civil War
ghosts – Neal and Anthony – who have been locked to this site for more than a
century. Now the third in their cosmic triangle, Deanna sets out to solve the
mystery of Neal’s death and prove to him once and for all the century-old evil
lurking in Anthony’s heart. But no matter what the time frame – or ghost or flesh
– looks as well as motives can be deceiving.
Ms. Scott weaves her tale on this site – transporting the reader meticulously
between the rich tapestries of the Civil War hospital that once stood there and
the current house. Clues from that long-ago time, placed in the framework of
today, spin the mysteries of the plot to unexpected, yet logical, resolutions – the
keystones of a well-written mystery. Ms. Scott masterfully shows the often
devastating events caused by lies, treachery, and deception: Traits which
transcend the boundaries of time and endure in their own private ‘haunts’.
This must-read is a true page – turner. And, with each page, the reader gets
embroiled deeper and deeper in the activities of both time periods.
Ms. Scott proves, definitively – at least in Deanna’s case – that one can go home
again. Sandie Grassino, author of Jefferson Barracks
Willing Spirits, Spirits Book Two
5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting Surprise May 30, 2013
By Midom
Format:Kindle Edition
I was delighted with "Willing Spirits", the second book in the Spirits series by Barbara Scott. What a unique perspective - the story with the ghosts as the central characters. The main character, Deanna, is not just your garden variety, pale, moaning spirit, but a specter with all the fire of a living, feeling being. She plots, rages and falls in love. She tosses kitchen tools, belts back brandy and storms through the old Victorian house now turned B&B.
The other characters are just as interesting: the B&B owner, Cookie, always on the make; her cheating husband who has a taste for teenage girls; Muriel, the psychic who stirs up more trouble in the afterlife than even Deanna can solve; and a whole host of ghostly characters, each with his or her own problems and desires.
The writing is crisp, the setting clear and well defined.
It's been a while since I've read the first book in this series, "Haunts of the Heart". Now I'll have to go back and pick it up.
Spirits' Rest, Spirits Book Three
Spirits Rest is the story of two spirits whose love story defies the odds!
By MORWA PAL Reviews
In the third of her Spirits series, Spirits Rest, Barbara Scott delivers the dramatic conclusion of the late Deanna Butterworth and her soul mate, Anthony Linville. Just when the threat of séances in the bed and breakfast they haunt is over, a psychic named Sapphire comes to a baby shower for Cookie Cragan and her newborn son, Kyle. There to cast Kyle's first spirit thread reading and a crystal scrying, Sapphire becomes more interested in using her crystals to examine Deanna’s past, present, and future when she sees her standing in the parlor. When all the baby shower guests have gone, Sapphire traps Deanna and Aloysius Murphy, Anthony’s nemesis, into one of her crystals, thoroughly intrigued by the conflict that’s sure to ensue. To save Deanna, Anthony seeks out Muriel, a psychic and new owner of The Murphy House, who banishes Aloysius back to the place from whence he came. But as long as Sapphire remains in the house, the threat of Aloysius’s return looms. Worried Anthony will abandon her forever by attempting to finally reconcile his past, Deanna decides to take matters into her own hands. But when Deanna and Anthony travel back in time, Anthony is forced to relive his death and Deanna’s worst fears are realized. Alone, she has no choice but to face Anthony’s killer, Aloysius Murphy, and must do everything she can to save Anthony’s family and herself if she is to secure any chance of ever seeing her beloved Anthony again. Spirits Rest is the story of two spirits whose love story defies the odds, any parallel and literally conquers the test of time.
*****
Listen With Your Heart
by Barbara Scott
"Ms. Scott relentlessly explores the depths of Morgan and Daniel's emotions. At times, I thought I knew these characters better than they knew themselves or each other. The scenes in the book are rich with details, making it easy to visualize the setting. One of the things I love about historical fiction is how it transports the reader to another unfamiliar era. This book took me to another place and time with seeming ease."
Reviewed By Denise Moncreif Goodreads
*****
"From the ashes rise the Phoenix" is the quote that continually went through my mind as I read this book. In this wonderful piece of historical fiction the author treats us to star-crossed lovers and villains. We encounter betrayals and heroics. And we learn the true meaning of heroes and sacrifice.
Ms. Scott wows us with her compelling and very accurate view of mid-nineteenth century America and Ireland. She uses vocabulary of the time period with pictorial descriptions that adds to the believability of the novel. She takes us through some of the most newsworth events of the times from just after the Civil War, through the great Chicago Fire and on to the constant “troubles” in Ireland with a very eloquent and literal writing style. The hero and heroine are awe inspiring and their trials and tribulations definitely earns them their titles. The characters are all well written and multi-dimensional and the plot is exceptional and original. I like that the title is a really good fit for it’s story.
If you are a reader who enjoys great historical fiction with complex characters, nonstop drama, heart-wrenching tragedies and uplifting triumphs; if you want your love scenes not only spicy and sensual but also tender; this is the book for you.
Reviewed by: Long and Short Reviews
Reviewer: Larkspur
Rating: 5 Books
*****
In Chicago, late 1800s, Morgan Gable grows up surrounded by the life of the theatre. As a young girl, she is touched by Irish singer Daniel Connolly’s performance after a brief encounter where he emerges as her knight in shining armor. Throughout time, amidst her father’s downward spiral and her mother’s continued absence, her childhood crush develops into something much deeper.
Daniel Connelly is the sort of man who loves completely and with all his heart -- even when he knows he’s given his heart to the wrong woman. Caught in a tragic marriage to a woman who does not return his devotion, his soul is torn apart when she dies suddenly in a fire, one of many sparked by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Daniel’s friends scheme to exorcise the ghost of his ex-wife Helene. Unfortunately, they’ve employed Camilla Browne, a charlatan with a projection box. Camilla has tricked Morgan’s father into her servitude and presents Morgan in disguise as the manifestation of Helene. Morgan destroys the projection box and spoils Camilla’s plans. In the aftermath, Daniel arranges to marry Morgan, both in an attempt to banish the memory of his dead wife as well as to avoid being deported back to Ireland.
Listen With Your Heart incorporates many fascinating historical details - the Chicago Fire, the projection box, likely some form of a Magic Lantern used for “spirit summoning”, and the Fenians -- a secretive Irish Brotherhood with underworld connotations. All of these elements provide a fascinating backdrop for the love story between Daniel and Morgan. At times, you almost wish there was more time to explore some of the plot points. Daniel’s son from his past marriage is deaf and his education and relationship with Daniel and his growing acceptance of Morgan provide some very endearing moments.
Aside from some rough spots at the beginning as the story transitions from Daniel and Morgan’s past to their reunion and arranged marriage, the romance between them is beautifully rendered. Daniel is a tortured hero who treats Morgan with heartbreaking tenderness despite his lingering memories of Helene. Morgan is a strong, believable heroine who is able to harbor an unrequited love without appearing weak and pining. Ms. Scott does an incredibly wonderful job of creating Daniel and Morgan as real people with wounds and with rich pasts that color their every action.
The story is strongest at its center where the romance flourishes. The subplots take a backseat and it is more than enough to watch Daniel and Morgan learn about one another, navigate around each other’s vulnerabilities and burrow deep into each other’s hearts -- as they burrow deep into yours.
Listen With Your Heart is a very special romance. You will care for these characters and their deeply emotional journey and you can’t help but fall in love with them.
Review by Chi Nguyen-Rettig
*****
Morgan has been captivated by Daniel since she was a child. Though five years have passed since she last laid eyes on him, her desire for him still remains.
Daniel, a popular Irish tenor, was a charming and chivalrous man five years ago. That was before the Chicago fire swept through his life. He must now attempt to put his life back together.
If the effects of the Chicago Fire were all that Daniel had to endure, perhaps he could have recuperated in due time. But both his past and the fire have led to a political scandal that he must find his way out of. After a happenstance meeting, Daniel and Morgan decide to enter into a marriage of convenience. Daniel needs her because of his scandal; Morgan wants him because he is the man of her dreams. Is Morgan right to listen to her heart and be with the man who has consumed her thoughts even though his motive for marriage may be impure?
Listen With Your Heart, written with much poise and detail, is a great example of what a historical love story should be. Filled with antiquated language and real life events, the story transports you back in time with the characters. Probably one of the most unique story lines I have read, this book kept me engaged with its love and mystery. From beginning to end, I was swept up in this tale of love, infatuation, regret, deceit and scandal.
Shannon Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
The year is 1866, in Dayton, Ohio, and young Morgan Gable is dramatically defending her father from an obscene theatrical performance, when dashing singer, Daniel Connolly comes to her rescue. Morgan Gable is star-struck over Daniel.
Five years later, nothing has changed. Her father is still drinking too much, and unable to perform. Morgan has protected her father all these years, and she's still hopelessly in love with Daniel Connolly, even though he is married.
When the great Chicago fire takes Daniel's wife, Daniel tries to rescue her, but he is burned himself, his hands mangled from the fire, and his singing voice is lost. But more than that, Daniel is lost, for he had loved his wife dearly.
Well meaning friends plot a séance for him, and Morgan enters Daniel's life once more.
Entranced by Morgan, Daniel saves her from ill fate by marrying her.
Yet can the reality of it all be as good as the dream itself? Now Morgan is faced with living with Daniel's wife's ghost. Can she set aside her girlish dreams of her and Daniel and make a real life with him?
Barbara Scott pens a lively tale of intrigue, and a emotional roller coaster that takes the reader into a fanciful read. Not only is there mystery and intrigue in this lovely romance, but she lets the reader dive deep into their characters and begin to understand the emotional ride of the characters themselves.
For anyone wanting a truly in depth emotional experience, and heartwarming romance that touches many points of reality, you must read Listen With Your Heart. Intriguing, heart-rending, and irresistibly passionate. Come sit by the fire, curl up with Listen With Your Heart and prepare yourself for an astonishing romance. A must read now….kind of book!Reviewer: Rita Hestead, author of Hannah's Man
Cast a Pale Shadow
by Barbara Scott
A touching story then... and a touching story now
by RmceWrtr
"I read CAST A PALE SHADOW a few years ago, and it kept me up until 2 am I was so captivated by Trissa and Nicholas. While planning a recent trip, I decided to purchase it again for my Nook. I was not disappointed, and read it with the same enthusiasm and enthrallment I did years ago. This is such an exceptionally unique approach to a love story, there is nothing cliche or worn about it. Every twist is interesting, new, and imaginative. It's hard to imagine as you begin the book just how it will end, but the ending is so satisfying you don't mind being a bit in the dark at first. Barbara Scott has a wonderful writing style that captures just enough detail to put the reader in the moment, and she has a way of touching the characters' hearts that in turn touches the readers' hearts. If you're looking for a captivating, moving read that differs from anything you've read before -- grab this one."
Review provided by Barnes and Noble
*****
Heat: Sweet Rating: Best Book
Let me start by saying WOW!! In Cast a Pale Shadow, Barbara Scott gives us a magnificent psychological drama. It’s a hauntingly beautiful love story starring two tortured souls ravaged by cruelty and abuse. A love story so pure it pulls our hero and heroine from the brink of madness and toward a journey to salvation. A story of degradation where there should have been a safe harbor.
Ms. Scott is a masterful storyteller whose dialogue imagery is so vivid, the pages literally paint themselves in your mind. Her main characters are multi-dimensional broken souls that you can’t help but cheer on every time they take one step forward. The supporting cast was an eclectic group that you’d want to have in your own life, and her villains were the stuff of your worst nightmares. Her dreamscape sequences fill in the missing puzzle pieces of the storyline/plot in wonderful detail. The author delves into some very taboo social issues with expertise and compassion. My heart was in my throat from the very first page.
Barbara Scott hits a huge homerun with her exceptional novel Cast a Pale Shadow. It was a book that was impossible to put down. This novel will appeal to any lover of great dramatic literature, any lover of fiction with a message to tell and any one who loves great romance. Keep the tissues close. Reviewed by Larkspu
*****
A woman in need of rescuing.
A man with a tortured past.
The shadow who haunts them both.
Nightmares and missed time haunt Cole Brewer. Visions of a dead bodies in the trunk of his car make him wonder if he's crossed into madness. Like his father. He shouldn't be alive. As a young boy he witnessed the murder of his family at his father's hands and almost died himself. When its too much, his mind slips into Nicholas his safe persona. As Nicholas he meets Trissa, a young woman also suffering abuse, and saves her from herself. Together, they must unravel the demons of their pasts and find the courage to face a new future.
The level of emotion of Ms. Scott's characters is incredible. This deep pychological thriller/ love story will give you chills and have you rooting for Trissa and Cole all the way. Their journey is one of growth and love. One everyone needs to read.
Reviewed by Brynna at You Gotta Read Reviews
Ms. Scott has penned another winner about a down on his luck hero, a headstrong young lady, and the “fancy ladies” that come as part of her inheritance.
Jean Luc Desloge, Lucky, seems to be anything but. He is linked to both his former boss’s murders, and spends his days loitering in town, trying his best to drown himself in rot-gut whiskey.
Marcella McGovern was raised in the best boarding schools and taught to be the proper young woman, never knowing her generous benefactor. When advised of her benefactress’ death, she travels with her attorney to Onion Creek, Texas to learn the details of her inheritance. She quickly learns she was the daughter of Sophie Castleman, owner of Miss Sophie’s Bath and Gentlemen’s Parlors, and wealthy cattleman, Clint Harte, who were mysteriously murdered. She inherits her father’s cattle, and her mother’s brothel, along with the four “fancy ladies” who reside there.
The Widow Harte, furious her husband left his cattle to his “love child,” offers to buy them back, at a greatly reduced price, or Marcella must move them off the land in five days. She also threatens any cowboy who signs up for the cattle drive, would never work again.
Desperate to hire men to move her cattle, Marcella overhears her “ladies” discuss their ability to “ride,” and decides they will be her cowboys to herd the cattle to Kansas. She convinces Lucky to help “train” them to rope, ride and wrangle, and the fun begins.
Come along for the ride with this rag tag bunch of cowpokes, as they try to herd over two thousand cattle across the plains. You’ll spend the next few hours enjoying the trip. Debbie Hull, author of The Men in Her Life
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4.0 out of 5 stars A good mix and full of life,
By Fair and Balanced (Southern Oregon Coast)
This review is for: West of Heaven (Kindle Edition)
A taste of everything this world has to offer in the pages of a worthwhile read. A little love...a little hate...a touch of humor and just enough suspense...
Jean tries to make himsel worthy enough to catch the eye of the society lady Marcel the woman wo comes to realize she has strength she didnt know she had.
An intriguing Western that transports the reader into a time and place she will not soon forget.
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By Fiction with Flair Reviews "Stephenia McGee" - See all my reviews
This review is from: West of Heaven (Kindle Edition)
I don't usually read westerns, but the story of a fancy boarding school lady who suddenly inherits bawdy house and herd of Texas cattle from the parents she never knew intrigued me. Then when the girls from Miss Sophie's decide to train to become cowboys and trail the cattle themselves, I was hooked!
Marcella, the heroine, is kind and generous and soon learns just how strong she really is. Known around town as "Lucky", Jean Luc is a lonely cowboy trying to drown all that haunts him in the depths of a bottle of malt liquor. Would he ever be worthy of this beautiful, high-class lady who is bent on making her own way?
Scott weaves a unique western tale that blends action, adventure, love and new beginnings. Her characters are vibrant and well-written. The romance builds with a depth of emotion, and has a few sensual scenes between the couple. West of Heaven draws the reader in and doesn't let go until the last page!
Laurie:
“An adventure unlike any I’ve ever read…Rich with an authentic western flavor, this story embraces and celebrates gripping feminine fortitude. If you enjoy western adventures sprinkled with a touch of sweet romance, this is a book you will certainly want to read.”
HAUNTS OF THE HEART, Spirits Book One
by Barbara Scott
Paranormal Historical
"... this beautifully written and sometimes sad story of haunting love is so achingly bittersweet that I found myself hoping for a HEA for Neal, Deanna, and at times even Anthony. After a slow journey into a past that is filled with deception, murder, and the black market, this tale quickly heats up and definitely left me at times hating Anthony and his attitude about his past and the secrets he has kept. Just when I thought Haunts of the Heart could not shock me anymore, the twists and turns of the ending had me raging and screaming because of the story’s stunning cliffhanger." Coffee Time Romance
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Recommended Read:
Haunts of the Heart features one woman’s search for why two ghosts inhabit her childhood home. The ghosts, Anthony and Neal died during the American Civil War, each under circumstances that neither fully understood. Deanna attempts to discover what is keeping them tied to her home and in doing so falls in love with Neal. But Neal’s secrets are as deep as those binding Anthony and while the truth will set each free, the truth is also what will tear their friendship apart and hurt them deeper than their own deaths have.
Usually 1/2 of Ch. 1 as a sample wouldn’t be enough to induce me to buy a book but Neal is such an engaging ghost with a charming sense of humor that I didn’t want leave him quite yet. Plus I’m a big fan of stories set in and around the American civil war that I’m usually inclined to take more of gamble on the book than I might otherwise. And lastly I couldn’t resist the cover. I’m a sucker for beautiful cover art and southern mansions call to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed Haunts of the Heart and was very pleasantly surprised by what the story turned into. More than just a romantic interlude. I was especially touched by the plot line between Neal and Anthony. I bought and read the entire book yesterday as I found I couldn't put it down. Reviewer: Marcia
*****
Haunts of the Heart
It has often been said that one cannot return home. When Deanna Butterworth’s
world comes crashing down around her, she seeks refuge in her childhood home.
Left clinging to life in the cold, sterile confines of a hospital following an
automobile accident, Deanna escapes from it all – leaving the hospital and
rushing to her house.
She is surprised to discover that means also returning to a set of Civil War
ghosts – Neal and Anthony – who have been locked to this site for more than a
century. Now the third in their cosmic triangle, Deanna sets out to solve the
mystery of Neal’s death and prove to him once and for all the century-old evil
lurking in Anthony’s heart. But no matter what the time frame – or ghost or flesh
– looks as well as motives can be deceiving.
Ms. Scott weaves her tale on this site – transporting the reader meticulously
between the rich tapestries of the Civil War hospital that once stood there and
the current house. Clues from that long-ago time, placed in the framework of
today, spin the mysteries of the plot to unexpected, yet logical, resolutions – the
keystones of a well-written mystery. Ms. Scott masterfully shows the often
devastating events caused by lies, treachery, and deception: Traits which
transcend the boundaries of time and endure in their own private ‘haunts’.
This must-read is a true page – turner. And, with each page, the reader gets
embroiled deeper and deeper in the activities of both time periods.
Ms. Scott proves, definitively – at least in Deanna’s case – that one can go home
again. Sandie Grassino, author of Jefferson Barracks
Willing Spirits, Spirits Book Two
5.0 out of 5 stars Haunting Surprise May 30, 2013
By Midom
Format:Kindle Edition
I was delighted with "Willing Spirits", the second book in the Spirits series by Barbara Scott. What a unique perspective - the story with the ghosts as the central characters. The main character, Deanna, is not just your garden variety, pale, moaning spirit, but a specter with all the fire of a living, feeling being. She plots, rages and falls in love. She tosses kitchen tools, belts back brandy and storms through the old Victorian house now turned B&B.
The other characters are just as interesting: the B&B owner, Cookie, always on the make; her cheating husband who has a taste for teenage girls; Muriel, the psychic who stirs up more trouble in the afterlife than even Deanna can solve; and a whole host of ghostly characters, each with his or her own problems and desires.
The writing is crisp, the setting clear and well defined.
It's been a while since I've read the first book in this series, "Haunts of the Heart". Now I'll have to go back and pick it up.
Spirits' Rest, Spirits Book Three
Spirits Rest is the story of two spirits whose love story defies the odds!
By MORWA PAL Reviews
In the third of her Spirits series, Spirits Rest, Barbara Scott delivers the dramatic conclusion of the late Deanna Butterworth and her soul mate, Anthony Linville. Just when the threat of séances in the bed and breakfast they haunt is over, a psychic named Sapphire comes to a baby shower for Cookie Cragan and her newborn son, Kyle. There to cast Kyle's first spirit thread reading and a crystal scrying, Sapphire becomes more interested in using her crystals to examine Deanna’s past, present, and future when she sees her standing in the parlor. When all the baby shower guests have gone, Sapphire traps Deanna and Aloysius Murphy, Anthony’s nemesis, into one of her crystals, thoroughly intrigued by the conflict that’s sure to ensue. To save Deanna, Anthony seeks out Muriel, a psychic and new owner of The Murphy House, who banishes Aloysius back to the place from whence he came. But as long as Sapphire remains in the house, the threat of Aloysius’s return looms. Worried Anthony will abandon her forever by attempting to finally reconcile his past, Deanna decides to take matters into her own hands. But when Deanna and Anthony travel back in time, Anthony is forced to relive his death and Deanna’s worst fears are realized. Alone, she has no choice but to face Anthony’s killer, Aloysius Murphy, and must do everything she can to save Anthony’s family and herself if she is to secure any chance of ever seeing her beloved Anthony again. Spirits Rest is the story of two spirits whose love story defies the odds, any parallel and literally conquers the test of time.
*****
Listen With Your Heart
by Barbara Scott
"Ms. Scott relentlessly explores the depths of Morgan and Daniel's emotions. At times, I thought I knew these characters better than they knew themselves or each other. The scenes in the book are rich with details, making it easy to visualize the setting. One of the things I love about historical fiction is how it transports the reader to another unfamiliar era. This book took me to another place and time with seeming ease."
Reviewed By Denise Moncreif Goodreads
*****
"From the ashes rise the Phoenix" is the quote that continually went through my mind as I read this book. In this wonderful piece of historical fiction the author treats us to star-crossed lovers and villains. We encounter betrayals and heroics. And we learn the true meaning of heroes and sacrifice.
Ms. Scott wows us with her compelling and very accurate view of mid-nineteenth century America and Ireland. She uses vocabulary of the time period with pictorial descriptions that adds to the believability of the novel. She takes us through some of the most newsworth events of the times from just after the Civil War, through the great Chicago Fire and on to the constant “troubles” in Ireland with a very eloquent and literal writing style. The hero and heroine are awe inspiring and their trials and tribulations definitely earns them their titles. The characters are all well written and multi-dimensional and the plot is exceptional and original. I like that the title is a really good fit for it’s story.
If you are a reader who enjoys great historical fiction with complex characters, nonstop drama, heart-wrenching tragedies and uplifting triumphs; if you want your love scenes not only spicy and sensual but also tender; this is the book for you.
Reviewed by: Long and Short Reviews
Reviewer: Larkspur
Rating: 5 Books
*****
In Chicago, late 1800s, Morgan Gable grows up surrounded by the life of the theatre. As a young girl, she is touched by Irish singer Daniel Connolly’s performance after a brief encounter where he emerges as her knight in shining armor. Throughout time, amidst her father’s downward spiral and her mother’s continued absence, her childhood crush develops into something much deeper.
Daniel Connelly is the sort of man who loves completely and with all his heart -- even when he knows he’s given his heart to the wrong woman. Caught in a tragic marriage to a woman who does not return his devotion, his soul is torn apart when she dies suddenly in a fire, one of many sparked by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Daniel’s friends scheme to exorcise the ghost of his ex-wife Helene. Unfortunately, they’ve employed Camilla Browne, a charlatan with a projection box. Camilla has tricked Morgan’s father into her servitude and presents Morgan in disguise as the manifestation of Helene. Morgan destroys the projection box and spoils Camilla’s plans. In the aftermath, Daniel arranges to marry Morgan, both in an attempt to banish the memory of his dead wife as well as to avoid being deported back to Ireland.
Listen With Your Heart incorporates many fascinating historical details - the Chicago Fire, the projection box, likely some form of a Magic Lantern used for “spirit summoning”, and the Fenians -- a secretive Irish Brotherhood with underworld connotations. All of these elements provide a fascinating backdrop for the love story between Daniel and Morgan. At times, you almost wish there was more time to explore some of the plot points. Daniel’s son from his past marriage is deaf and his education and relationship with Daniel and his growing acceptance of Morgan provide some very endearing moments.
Aside from some rough spots at the beginning as the story transitions from Daniel and Morgan’s past to their reunion and arranged marriage, the romance between them is beautifully rendered. Daniel is a tortured hero who treats Morgan with heartbreaking tenderness despite his lingering memories of Helene. Morgan is a strong, believable heroine who is able to harbor an unrequited love without appearing weak and pining. Ms. Scott does an incredibly wonderful job of creating Daniel and Morgan as real people with wounds and with rich pasts that color their every action.
The story is strongest at its center where the romance flourishes. The subplots take a backseat and it is more than enough to watch Daniel and Morgan learn about one another, navigate around each other’s vulnerabilities and burrow deep into each other’s hearts -- as they burrow deep into yours.
Listen With Your Heart is a very special romance. You will care for these characters and their deeply emotional journey and you can’t help but fall in love with them.
Review by Chi Nguyen-Rettig
*****
Morgan has been captivated by Daniel since she was a child. Though five years have passed since she last laid eyes on him, her desire for him still remains.
Daniel, a popular Irish tenor, was a charming and chivalrous man five years ago. That was before the Chicago fire swept through his life. He must now attempt to put his life back together.
If the effects of the Chicago Fire were all that Daniel had to endure, perhaps he could have recuperated in due time. But both his past and the fire have led to a political scandal that he must find his way out of. After a happenstance meeting, Daniel and Morgan decide to enter into a marriage of convenience. Daniel needs her because of his scandal; Morgan wants him because he is the man of her dreams. Is Morgan right to listen to her heart and be with the man who has consumed her thoughts even though his motive for marriage may be impure?
Listen With Your Heart, written with much poise and detail, is a great example of what a historical love story should be. Filled with antiquated language and real life events, the story transports you back in time with the characters. Probably one of the most unique story lines I have read, this book kept me engaged with its love and mystery. From beginning to end, I was swept up in this tale of love, infatuation, regret, deceit and scandal.
Shannon Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
The year is 1866, in Dayton, Ohio, and young Morgan Gable is dramatically defending her father from an obscene theatrical performance, when dashing singer, Daniel Connolly comes to her rescue. Morgan Gable is star-struck over Daniel.
Five years later, nothing has changed. Her father is still drinking too much, and unable to perform. Morgan has protected her father all these years, and she's still hopelessly in love with Daniel Connolly, even though he is married.
When the great Chicago fire takes Daniel's wife, Daniel tries to rescue her, but he is burned himself, his hands mangled from the fire, and his singing voice is lost. But more than that, Daniel is lost, for he had loved his wife dearly.
Well meaning friends plot a séance for him, and Morgan enters Daniel's life once more.
Entranced by Morgan, Daniel saves her from ill fate by marrying her.
Yet can the reality of it all be as good as the dream itself? Now Morgan is faced with living with Daniel's wife's ghost. Can she set aside her girlish dreams of her and Daniel and make a real life with him?
Barbara Scott pens a lively tale of intrigue, and a emotional roller coaster that takes the reader into a fanciful read. Not only is there mystery and intrigue in this lovely romance, but she lets the reader dive deep into their characters and begin to understand the emotional ride of the characters themselves.
For anyone wanting a truly in depth emotional experience, and heartwarming romance that touches many points of reality, you must read Listen With Your Heart. Intriguing, heart-rending, and irresistibly passionate. Come sit by the fire, curl up with Listen With Your Heart and prepare yourself for an astonishing romance. A must read now….kind of book!Reviewer: Rita Hestead, author of Hannah's Man
Cast a Pale Shadow
by Barbara Scott
A touching story then... and a touching story now
by RmceWrtr
"I read CAST A PALE SHADOW a few years ago, and it kept me up until 2 am I was so captivated by Trissa and Nicholas. While planning a recent trip, I decided to purchase it again for my Nook. I was not disappointed, and read it with the same enthusiasm and enthrallment I did years ago. This is such an exceptionally unique approach to a love story, there is nothing cliche or worn about it. Every twist is interesting, new, and imaginative. It's hard to imagine as you begin the book just how it will end, but the ending is so satisfying you don't mind being a bit in the dark at first. Barbara Scott has a wonderful writing style that captures just enough detail to put the reader in the moment, and she has a way of touching the characters' hearts that in turn touches the readers' hearts. If you're looking for a captivating, moving read that differs from anything you've read before -- grab this one."
Review provided by Barnes and Noble
*****
Heat: Sweet Rating: Best Book
Let me start by saying WOW!! In Cast a Pale Shadow, Barbara Scott gives us a magnificent psychological drama. It’s a hauntingly beautiful love story starring two tortured souls ravaged by cruelty and abuse. A love story so pure it pulls our hero and heroine from the brink of madness and toward a journey to salvation. A story of degradation where there should have been a safe harbor.
Ms. Scott is a masterful storyteller whose dialogue imagery is so vivid, the pages literally paint themselves in your mind. Her main characters are multi-dimensional broken souls that you can’t help but cheer on every time they take one step forward. The supporting cast was an eclectic group that you’d want to have in your own life, and her villains were the stuff of your worst nightmares. Her dreamscape sequences fill in the missing puzzle pieces of the storyline/plot in wonderful detail. The author delves into some very taboo social issues with expertise and compassion. My heart was in my throat from the very first page.
Barbara Scott hits a huge homerun with her exceptional novel Cast a Pale Shadow. It was a book that was impossible to put down. This novel will appeal to any lover of great dramatic literature, any lover of fiction with a message to tell and any one who loves great romance. Keep the tissues close. Reviewed by Larkspu
*****
A woman in need of rescuing.
A man with a tortured past.
The shadow who haunts them both.
Nightmares and missed time haunt Cole Brewer. Visions of a dead bodies in the trunk of his car make him wonder if he's crossed into madness. Like his father. He shouldn't be alive. As a young boy he witnessed the murder of his family at his father's hands and almost died himself. When its too much, his mind slips into Nicholas his safe persona. As Nicholas he meets Trissa, a young woman also suffering abuse, and saves her from herself. Together, they must unravel the demons of their pasts and find the courage to face a new future.
The level of emotion of Ms. Scott's characters is incredible. This deep pychological thriller/ love story will give you chills and have you rooting for Trissa and Cole all the way. Their journey is one of growth and love. One everyone needs to read.
Reviewed by Brynna at You Gotta Read Reviews
Talk of the Town
by Barbara Scott
Take love at first sight.
Stir in well-meaning friends.
Next, add the opportunity to move this budding romance to the ultimate level – marriage – with all costs paid by your boss…
This is the recipe for possible disaster if you are Kari Bryan, the night beat reporter on a local St. Louis television station. Burned by other relationships, Kari had taken romance off the table and, with her best friend Dahlia, made a pact to put their careers first. That was easy for the reporter to do until she met the headstrong Max Dawson, local cartoonist as well as local hero several times over.
This charming story is deliciously witty as Rory, who is the hero in Max’s King of Her Jungle comic strip, also welcomes his new mate, Caro-Lion, into his pride. Will art imitate life once again? Will both Max and Rory claim their mates?
Scott fills the pages of her sweet novella with local venues that will treat the St. Louis residents and make the non residents wish they lived here. Talk of the Town has twists of plot and twists of fate that are essential elements found in all great romantic comedies. Five (out of five) Ted Drewes’ concretes to this upbeat, refreshing tale.
Review by Sandie Grassino, author of Jefferson Barracks
*****
Max Dawson is an up-and-coming cartoonist with a popular comic strip featuring lions and love. Kari Bryan is a newswoman working the night shift and hoping for a break. In a twist of fate, Max is out on a late night coffee run at the corner convenience store when he gets caught in the middle of a hold-up staged by a couple of local gang members. No worries! Max manages to get everyone out of trouble and emerges as the hero when Kari shows up to report on the incident. He wants a date, but Kari insists all she wants is the scoop. She's been burned by love before. Impulsive and romantic, Max finds himself writing the sexy newswoman into his comic strip as the seductive Caro-lion.
A lot happens in the whirlwind romance that ensues. Max is hunted down by gang members, Kari is held hostage--and that's just the very beginning. Before they know what's happening, Max has proposed marriage and, in an adrenaline induced moment, Kari accepts. Unfortunately, every moment of their romance so far has been caught on the evening news and soon they're the Talk of the Town as Kari's station wants to take over planning their wedding.
There are a lot of quirky twists and jumps in this novella and you just have to let go and come along for the ride. As a St. Louis resident, it was fun to see the authentic touches of local flair in the story. For example, Kari and Max get to know each other over a couple of frozen custards from Ted Drewe's, a local favorite. Plus there's a whole crew of secondary characters jumping in to get in the way of the crazy romance. Max's agent Todd and Kari's disapproving best friend Dahlia provide some roadblocks, but eventually they, like everyone, succumb to romance.
This novella was a charming little adventure and the romance had an almost innocent sweetness to it that was befitting of Max's idealistic and impulsive nature. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a breezy, fun contemporary romance with colorful characters.
Reviewed by Jeannie Lin, author of Shadow Hunter
Stir in well-meaning friends.
Next, add the opportunity to move this budding romance to the ultimate level – marriage – with all costs paid by your boss…
This is the recipe for possible disaster if you are Kari Bryan, the night beat reporter on a local St. Louis television station. Burned by other relationships, Kari had taken romance off the table and, with her best friend Dahlia, made a pact to put their careers first. That was easy for the reporter to do until she met the headstrong Max Dawson, local cartoonist as well as local hero several times over.
This charming story is deliciously witty as Rory, who is the hero in Max’s King of Her Jungle comic strip, also welcomes his new mate, Caro-Lion, into his pride. Will art imitate life once again? Will both Max and Rory claim their mates?
Scott fills the pages of her sweet novella with local venues that will treat the St. Louis residents and make the non residents wish they lived here. Talk of the Town has twists of plot and twists of fate that are essential elements found in all great romantic comedies. Five (out of five) Ted Drewes’ concretes to this upbeat, refreshing tale.
Review by Sandie Grassino, author of Jefferson Barracks
*****
Max Dawson is an up-and-coming cartoonist with a popular comic strip featuring lions and love. Kari Bryan is a newswoman working the night shift and hoping for a break. In a twist of fate, Max is out on a late night coffee run at the corner convenience store when he gets caught in the middle of a hold-up staged by a couple of local gang members. No worries! Max manages to get everyone out of trouble and emerges as the hero when Kari shows up to report on the incident. He wants a date, but Kari insists all she wants is the scoop. She's been burned by love before. Impulsive and romantic, Max finds himself writing the sexy newswoman into his comic strip as the seductive Caro-lion.
A lot happens in the whirlwind romance that ensues. Max is hunted down by gang members, Kari is held hostage--and that's just the very beginning. Before they know what's happening, Max has proposed marriage and, in an adrenaline induced moment, Kari accepts. Unfortunately, every moment of their romance so far has been caught on the evening news and soon they're the Talk of the Town as Kari's station wants to take over planning their wedding.
There are a lot of quirky twists and jumps in this novella and you just have to let go and come along for the ride. As a St. Louis resident, it was fun to see the authentic touches of local flair in the story. For example, Kari and Max get to know each other over a couple of frozen custards from Ted Drewe's, a local favorite. Plus there's a whole crew of secondary characters jumping in to get in the way of the crazy romance. Max's agent Todd and Kari's disapproving best friend Dahlia provide some roadblocks, but eventually they, like everyone, succumb to romance.
This novella was a charming little adventure and the romance had an almost innocent sweetness to it that was befitting of Max's idealistic and impulsive nature. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a breezy, fun contemporary romance with colorful characters.
Reviewed by Jeannie Lin, author of Shadow Hunter