Official Review: Astoria Rumors by Cheryl Colwell
Posted: 09 Dec 2020, 16:45
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Astoria Rumors" by Cheryl Colwell.]
Eaven was devastated when her husband asked for a divorce, saying he had been dating someone else for several years, and they had an eight-year-old daughter. After the divorce, Eaven decided to drive back to South Carolina, where her mother and sister lived. However, after arriving in Astoria, Oregon, she received a call from her husband informing her she had signed the divorce papers wrong; he would deliver them to her in a couple of days. While eating dinner, Eaven met Greg Sault, who said he grew up in Astoria but left after the Mercers had murdered his dad. He was back in town to take care of his grandmother’s estate. After finding out that Eaven had sorted and appraised antiques for a living before her marriage, Greg hired her to help with his grandmother’s belongings.
While working with Eaven, Greg told her his family had a lengthy history with the villainous Mercers. Edward Mercer, Clayton Mercer’s great-great-grandfather, had impregnated Greg’s great-great-grandmother Marie, and they had a son together. Greg believed Edward had secretly married Marie, and if true, Greg would be part owner of the Mercer’s fortune. The will could have possibly been hidden in the mansion that Edward and Marie had lived in, which had been boarded up for years and was said to be haunted. Clayton recently decided to sell it. Subsequently, to gain access to the mansion, Eaven got Clayton to hire her to appraise his antiques, although Greg had told her he was treacherous. Eaven possessed a reputation as the “ghost whisperer” because of her unique connection with the dead and hoped that ability would aid her in discovering the will. However, she is not sure how much Greg can be trusted. He is a tad mysterious and seems to be withholding something. Eaven has no idea how hazardous this job will become.
Astoria Rumors by Cheryl Colwell is a 338-page crime drama/mystery with suspense and romance. The secrets in the sinister haunted mansion add to the plot. What more can you ask for? It begins with Eaven’s husband’s betrayal and divorce and quickly steps into the action in Astoria. Although the first in a series, it can be read as a standalone novel because answers to all of the pertinent questions are provided. Clues about the plot of the sequel are offered at the end of the story. The author’s prose is descriptive and easy to understand. There is much to love about this book, but the mystery and suspense with all the twists are my favorite aspects. I found it very difficult to lay the novel down.
Another thing I enjoyed was character development. Eaven had given up a significant part of herself to make her husband happy. After the divorce, she was forced to find her own strength and path. She proved herself to be brave, loyal, and resourceful. Her character was completely believable. I loved the mystery surrounding Greg and Clayton. Although Eaven thought she knew whom to believe, there was an element of doubt. Who was actually telling the truth?
Faith in God is a strong theme in the novel. Eaven has to learn God loves her no matter what, and he will take care of her if she has faith. Although Christian readers may appreciate this the most, I don’t think it will be offensive to those of other faiths.
To me, the sign of an outstanding book is it holds one’s attention all the way through and leaves the reader sad at the end because of wanting it to continue. That’s the way this book was for me. I found nothing to dislike as there were only a few minor errors. Therefore, Astoria Rumors achieves a rating of four out of four stars. I enthusiastically recommend this novel to readers who enjoy thrillers with paranormal aspects and a touch of romance. Rare kissing is encountered in the story, but no sex or profanities are seen. Although murder and violence are detected in the book, they are not terribly graphic. However, I think it is unsuitable for young children.
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Astoria Rumors
View: on Bookshelves
Eaven was devastated when her husband asked for a divorce, saying he had been dating someone else for several years, and they had an eight-year-old daughter. After the divorce, Eaven decided to drive back to South Carolina, where her mother and sister lived. However, after arriving in Astoria, Oregon, she received a call from her husband informing her she had signed the divorce papers wrong; he would deliver them to her in a couple of days. While eating dinner, Eaven met Greg Sault, who said he grew up in Astoria but left after the Mercers had murdered his dad. He was back in town to take care of his grandmother’s estate. After finding out that Eaven had sorted and appraised antiques for a living before her marriage, Greg hired her to help with his grandmother’s belongings.
While working with Eaven, Greg told her his family had a lengthy history with the villainous Mercers. Edward Mercer, Clayton Mercer’s great-great-grandfather, had impregnated Greg’s great-great-grandmother Marie, and they had a son together. Greg believed Edward had secretly married Marie, and if true, Greg would be part owner of the Mercer’s fortune. The will could have possibly been hidden in the mansion that Edward and Marie had lived in, which had been boarded up for years and was said to be haunted. Clayton recently decided to sell it. Subsequently, to gain access to the mansion, Eaven got Clayton to hire her to appraise his antiques, although Greg had told her he was treacherous. Eaven possessed a reputation as the “ghost whisperer” because of her unique connection with the dead and hoped that ability would aid her in discovering the will. However, she is not sure how much Greg can be trusted. He is a tad mysterious and seems to be withholding something. Eaven has no idea how hazardous this job will become.
Astoria Rumors by Cheryl Colwell is a 338-page crime drama/mystery with suspense and romance. The secrets in the sinister haunted mansion add to the plot. What more can you ask for? It begins with Eaven’s husband’s betrayal and divorce and quickly steps into the action in Astoria. Although the first in a series, it can be read as a standalone novel because answers to all of the pertinent questions are provided. Clues about the plot of the sequel are offered at the end of the story. The author’s prose is descriptive and easy to understand. There is much to love about this book, but the mystery and suspense with all the twists are my favorite aspects. I found it very difficult to lay the novel down.
Another thing I enjoyed was character development. Eaven had given up a significant part of herself to make her husband happy. After the divorce, she was forced to find her own strength and path. She proved herself to be brave, loyal, and resourceful. Her character was completely believable. I loved the mystery surrounding Greg and Clayton. Although Eaven thought she knew whom to believe, there was an element of doubt. Who was actually telling the truth?
Faith in God is a strong theme in the novel. Eaven has to learn God loves her no matter what, and he will take care of her if she has faith. Although Christian readers may appreciate this the most, I don’t think it will be offensive to those of other faiths.
To me, the sign of an outstanding book is it holds one’s attention all the way through and leaves the reader sad at the end because of wanting it to continue. That’s the way this book was for me. I found nothing to dislike as there were only a few minor errors. Therefore, Astoria Rumors achieves a rating of four out of four stars. I enthusiastically recommend this novel to readers who enjoy thrillers with paranormal aspects and a touch of romance. Rare kissing is encountered in the story, but no sex or profanities are seen. Although murder and violence are detected in the book, they are not terribly graphic. However, I think it is unsuitable for young children.
******
Astoria Rumors
View: on Bookshelves