Magical Realism, Romance and Chuckle-out-loud Funny
Ann DeFee's books are a delight to read!
Susan Wiggs
New York Times Best Selling Author
Susan Wiggs
New York Times Best Selling Author
Believe is a magical realism story with a spiritual twist. Springen O'Flaherty has psychic powers that have ruled her life. She was resigned to being different until she met Jed Collinsworth. Now she has to tell the man she loves that she can talk to dead people. But she waits too long, and when her dad passes, Jed meets the O'Flaherty family with all their eccentricities—tent revival preachers, healers and heroes. The sequel is When the Magnolia Blooms, coming this fall.
Kirkus Recommended Review—Believe
Darr smoothly and skillfully handles a series of well-executed flashbacks in which readers see Spring gradually come to
understand how her powers work as well as the personal toll they take on her; for example, after a trauma, she recalls,
“I’d turned into a zombie. I was a fossil like those found flash frozen in the Arctic.” The author’s depiction of the
simplicity and beauties of life in rural Appalachia are semi-poetical highlights of the novel: “the bright green tree canopy was highlighted by a froth of color, courtesy of the wildflowers." Darr also provides wonderfully believable dialogue to every major and minor character in the story.
An evocative, involving novel about how mystical powers can complicate one’s life.
Chanticleer Book Reviews 5 Star—Believe
Winner of the Chanticleer International Book Award
First Place Women's Fiction
Annaliese Darr, the author, writes of the Appalachian culture of tent revivals, blue grass & gospel music, and beliefs in “psychic gifts” and the old ways with a deftness and clarity that juxtaposes Spring’s new life chapter in the big city. Darr’s dialogue and characters are refreshing and captivating while her heartwarming story encompasses mystery and murder.
The narrative is straightforward with no ruffles and flourishes, but is written sometimes with witty and loving banter and sometimes it is written with palpable sadness that steps the reader through a complex tale and time switches without confusion. Darr balances the mystery of “what happened?” with “what happens next?” as she capably builds the suspense and tension on several fronts.
Kirkus Recommended Review—Believe
Darr smoothly and skillfully handles a series of well-executed flashbacks in which readers see Spring gradually come to
understand how her powers work as well as the personal toll they take on her; for example, after a trauma, she recalls,
“I’d turned into a zombie. I was a fossil like those found flash frozen in the Arctic.” The author’s depiction of the
simplicity and beauties of life in rural Appalachia are semi-poetical highlights of the novel: “the bright green tree canopy was highlighted by a froth of color, courtesy of the wildflowers." Darr also provides wonderfully believable dialogue to every major and minor character in the story.
An evocative, involving novel about how mystical powers can complicate one’s life.
Chanticleer Book Reviews 5 Star—Believe
Winner of the Chanticleer International Book Award
First Place Women's Fiction
Annaliese Darr, the author, writes of the Appalachian culture of tent revivals, blue grass & gospel music, and beliefs in “psychic gifts” and the old ways with a deftness and clarity that juxtaposes Spring’s new life chapter in the big city. Darr’s dialogue and characters are refreshing and captivating while her heartwarming story encompasses mystery and murder.
The narrative is straightforward with no ruffles and flourishes, but is written sometimes with witty and loving banter and sometimes it is written with palpable sadness that steps the reader through a complex tale and time switches without confusion. Darr balances the mystery of “what happened?” with “what happens next?” as she capably builds the suspense and tension on several fronts.
Fiona O'Flaherty has a serial killer chasing her and now she's living with a very charming ghost. What next? A zombie apocalypse!
Coming this fall! |
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