Congratulations Annaliese Darr! "Believe" 2018 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Fiction - Magic/Wizardry genre!
Springen O'Flaherty can see auras. As a child she lived in a Popsicle world where the kids were swathed in brilliant colors and the grown-ups were a fuzzy pastel. Later, her psychic powers multiplied and resulted in a life of secrets and half-truths–of otherworldly sights and experiences. Spring was resigned to the status quo until she met Jed Collinsworth. Now she wants that two-kids and a minivan life, but to accomplish her goal she has to be honest with the man she loves. The sudden loss of her dad plays havoc with Spring's well-laid plans to reveal her secrets to her fiancé. Ready or not, Jed is about to be introduced to the O'Flaherty clan of western Virginia with all their eccentricities and quirks—tent revival preachers, gospel musicians, healers, heroes and pot growers. When faced with the truth will Jed help Spring discover the elusive sense of love, peace and acceptance that she's always wanted? And will love be the answer to all of her problems?
Editorial Reviews
Reader’s Favorite Book Review—5 Star Review "Believe"(Irish Enchantment Book 1) by Annaliese Darr is a well written book filled with beautiful figurative language and a story that I could not put down. This book ended up being unique in that it is a true blending of multiple genres with no single genre being more prevalent than another. The author seamlessly combines psychic abilities, romance, and coming of age genre elements together in a way that made the story seem so realistic.
New York Literary Magazine "Believe is an extraordinary, captivating novel with an original, magical plot, winning characters, and a complex romance. A talented storyteller, Annaliese Darr skillfully brings her well-drawn characters to life, giving them strong personalities and believable emotions. Springen is a remarkable protagonist worthy of many more books. Fans of Magical Realism will be enchanted from the first page!" - NY Literary Magazine
Kirkus Recommended Review 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 Somerset 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.
When the Magnolia Blooms Book 2 Irish Enchantment Series
Fiona O’Flaherty’s quiet life is turned upside down when a killer cop takes an “unhealthy” interest in her. With the help of the Four Amigos—a group of retired law enforcement officers—she changes her identity and flees to a farm on the Northern Neck of Virginia. Much to her surprise her new roommate is a handsome ghost who departed this world in 1865.
Even more amazing is the fact Danann Farm is a mystical Irish village that was transported to America in the early part of the nineteenth century. As a nurse she’s used to multi-tasking, but now she’s living with a charming spirit while also managing the restoration of a historic home. Not to mention that a serial killer is determined to find her. What next? How about a pint-sized seer with special powers, a group of geriatric aunties managing the rumor mill, and an extended family ready, willing and able to protect the new mistress of the Magnolia House.
Fiona’s having quite an adventure, but like most fairy tales this story will have a happy, if somewhat quirky ending.