Saving Grace (Enchanted Keepsakes, #1) by Aubrey Wynne Narrator: Sara K Sheckells
Series: Enchanted Keepsakes #1
Published by Self-published on 5 December 2017
Genres: Suspense
Length: 3 hrs and 16 mins
Format: Audiobook
Source: Author
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Overal Rating:
The ghost of the Pungo Witch meets a shattered heart.
Jackson Hahn, Virginia Beach's local historian, has his eyes on the mysterious new woman in town. When she enters his office, he is struck by her haunting beauty and the raw pain in her eyes. Her descriptions of the odd events happening in her bungalow pique his curiosity.
Chloe Hicks' life consisted of an egocentric ex-husband, a pile of bills, and an equine business in foreclosure until a fire destroys the stable and her beloved ranch horse. What little hope she has left is smashed after the marshal suspects arson. She escapes the accusing eyes of her hometown, but not the memories and melancholy.
The sexy historian distracts Chloe with the legend of a woman wrongly accused of witchcraft. She is drawn to the story and the similarities of events that plagued their lives. Perhaps the past can help heal the present. But danger lurks in the shadows...
Chloe’s life is working with horses, but a sudden arson and the threat of her ex-husband coming for her, pushes Chloe to seek refuge camping close to the ancient town of Virginia Beach. There she will meed a charming historian and will connect with the ghost of a famous witch.
I understand this book wanted to transmit the story of the Pungo Witch, but somehow the feeling I got from it was that Whynne mixed two different stories, confusing the listener. About the first third of the book deals with Chloe’s situation and the ongoing investigation about who burnt her barn. Also the loss of her most precious mare, and the threat posed by her ex-husband. Spending the first third of the book focused on this creates certain expectations on the listener, making them think that the story will continue on this plot line. But then we switch to a completely different scenario. Chloe camping close to an old town and experiencing the presence of a ghost. First, who would just go camping in the middle of the woods to hide from a dangerous ex-husband? Wouldn’t it be safer just to stay at a friend’s place? Maybe more predictable, but what then if the ex-husband decided to tail Chloe? That option would have been my last choice.
Despite these minor issues, the book was entertaining, and it allowed me to learn the story of the Pungo witch. It’s scary to think about what humans are capable of due to ignorance and fear. I hope that learning about historical mistakes will bring some light and hope for the present and future.
This was not the first time I had the opportunity of enjoying Sara K. Sheckells’ narration. She’s versatile, has a very soothing voice and has a decent voice range. The thing Sheckells does best is transmitting emotions, though. It’s like listening to real people’s feelings.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the author in exchange for an honest review.| Story (Plot) |
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My name is Elena. Since I was a little child I loved science fiction and fantasy, and I can’t resist a good novel. In 2015, while wait I started to listen to audiobooks and I discovered the pleasure in being able to read while doing my daily tasks, so there’s always an audiobook playing on my phone. If you see me with my Bluetooth headphones on, please be gentle, I get easily startled.
I live with my boyfriend, which I met during my six-year stay in Belgium, four cockatiels, eight lovebirds, and a hamster in Madrid, Spain; and I like to spend my free time knitting and sewing while listening to audiobooks.
