Saving Grace

Publisher's Summary

A tortured soul meets a shattered heart....

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.

Jackson Hahn, Virginia Beach's local historian, has his eyes on the mysterious new woman in town. When she arrives in Pungo, 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.

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....

©2017 Plato Publishing (P)2017 Aubrey Wynne

Thrilling exciting Paranormal

The story’s title and cover fits the story so well! There are so many interesting twists and turns as well as historical facts that really kept this story interesting and moving. I really loved how the past played with the future. How eerie it all seemed you didn’t know whether to run and hide or wrap your arms around it. My heart broke for both Chloe and Grace they have a lot in common but are so different. They are kind souls who give so much to those around them.

Ms. Wynne is a wonderful author that really pulls the listener in giving the correct tones and pauses that really shows how talented she is. Her character voice are a delight from her sexy males to her sweet females. She even had Chloe’s ex down to the point that you knew something was very wrong with this man. Her emotions are wonderful she has such caring tones, don’t let that fool you she has no trouble reaching in and bring the angry ones to the surface. The author really knows how to play on your emotion giving you a believable author you have no trouble believing it is real. As I listened I could see Chloe with her beloved horses, the danger they faced and how much she loved the dog. The audio I think is much better than reading it the narrator brings so much to this story really touching your heart giving you emotion you can hold on to. There are no background noises, no repeating of words, and no volumes changes just a truly enjoyable clean and clear listen. Her emotions are right on the money you always know what each character is thinking and feeling. Her performance was outstanding which made this a win, win listen for me.

Chloe’s ex is a real piece of work you have to wonder how Chloe got caught up into his world and how in the world she was able to walk away with, he just doesn’t seem like the man who would let you divorce him. No he has never hit her yet but there are many ways of abuse. Sometimes I think playing with the mind is the worse abuse anyone can go through. You can’t see it, you have no clue but it hurts and is very really. The author has no trouble showing what kind of man her ex is as she takes you through the pace of him wanting her back and what all he is willing to do to get what he wants. I just loved her mother and her partner’s characters they are both witty and charming. I love how her mother is always nice to her daughters ex but still come across with that sassy attitude that many can’t pull off.

Chloe is just a wonderful character that gives so much. Grace lord what that women went through and what she still must be going through to still be here after so many years. The author gives you a delightful twist of two women and how their lives help the other to get over pain and deal with the issues they must. With Grace I just wanted to grab, hug her and keep her safe. The lies that were told about her and the punishment that her neighbors dealt out to her are just so bad. How she deals with the future will make you smile. Chloe’s new friend is so funny, I loved how he dealt with the ghost. I really laughed hard at that. This was a fun read that really keeps you smiling but it is also very sad with your emotions twisting first one way and then another.

I enjoyed the way the author went from past to present really pulling the read in. The mystery was a delight. How the past and the present came together was fun. The power the ghost had really had me on the edge at the end. I was yelling YES YES you go Grace, don’t let him get away…you got this Grace. Grace you are my HERO. The author gives a wonderful story of two women fighting to keep what is theirs showing their strength, love and courage to put one foot in front of the other why the world around them goes crazy.

The new romance and the way it plays in the story is just so natural I LOVE IT. It is a well blended story of a little of everything that makes it a wonderful audio. The ending is a shocker but what an ending, I just did not want this audio to end I wanted to see more of these characters and how their lives turned out.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I didn't realize how sucked I would become

Where does Saving Grace rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

definitely within the top 5 of the books I've listened to

What other book might you compare Saving Grace to and why?

There is nothing like Saving Grace....it is a very unique and incredible book

Which scene was your favorite?

Paul going after Mike for the asshole moves he continues to make

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

100% definitely....unfortunately life got in the way

Any additional comments?

I volunteered to review this book without any promises about the review (the rating or the posting).

The moment I saw the cover and read the blurb, I knew that this book had everything I wanted and more. I didn’t realize how much this book would suck me in. I would become. I never wanted it to end and truly hope that Ms. Wynne does a second book with these characters. I was extremely surprised to find out that there really was a Pungo Witch and that her ghost is said to still be a part of the current history of Virginia Beach. That was just the icing on the top of a 5 tier cake.

The following is my personal opinion and thoughts about many aspects of this book and its author.

COVER: ✯✯✯✯✯ - Absolutely stunning. What more can I say. The past and present are both represented in this cover. And adding a horse...which also has meaning to the story...well...that’s more icing on the cake.

PLOT: ✯✯✯✯✯ - There was a lot of thought and planning to this plot. Everything word and action had a reason and a purpose. The history lesson I learned was well researched and I’m so happy I didn’t know previously the Grace Sherwood had really “existed”. An awesome job.

WRITING STYLE: ✯✯✯✯✯ - Ms. Wynne’s words allowed vivid and descriptive scenes to play out in my mind like a personal movie. I’m a huge fan of descriptive writing and Ms. Wynne didn’t fail to deliver.

NARRATOR: ✯✯✯✯ - This is the only thing about this book that I find fault in. And I have to admit that it was only in the first few chapters. I felt Ms. Sheckells was unsure of the narrating in the beginning, but once she hit her stride the words were like magic. Her range for each character left no doubt who was speaking. And, her emotions hit exactly as they should have depending on the section of the book. Personally, I would rather had her go back and redo the first few chapters (or minutes) just to rid me of this persistent nagging I was left with. Overall, however, an excellent job but a very talented narrator.

CHARACTERS: ✯✯✯✯✯ - Each of the characters were true to life.
Chloe is very calm and playful. Paul was the perfect “father figure” and protector.
Mike is the self-absorbed and angry a**hole that I have come to expect from ex-husbands.
Dottie is the mother I have always dreamed of having. Very outspoken and afraid of no one.
Jackson was sweet and lovable. I fell for him right away.
And, Grace. What can I say? A woman with a heart of gold. A caring, compassionate woman who fell on a string of bad luck due to the close-minded people of her generation.

OVERALL FLOW: ✯✯✯✯✯ - I can’t find one flaw in the flow of this story or the flow of the narration. Suburb job done by both Ms. Wynne and Ms. Sheckells.

After a fire destroys her barn, killing her prized horse, Chloe Hicks is informed that it may have been arsen. To add to her increasing troubles her ex-husband begins to make accusations around town causing her further stress. At the urging of her mother and good friend, Paul, she leaves town till the “heat” dies down. While in Muddy Creek, Chloe begins to experience strange things. Through her best friend Chloe meets Jackson and together they put together the pieces of the strange occurrences.

Even though Grace and Chloe lived in different time periods, I saw similarities in the lives they led. How their independent natures gave them strength to fight against their own type of evil. The saying “we girls have to stick together” is very true in this book. I believe that is the main reason Grace never moved on. And for Chloe’s sake I’m grateful to know there are supernatural forces out there that shouldn’t be explained.

Under no circumstances was I approached by the author to read or review this book. I offered without any agreement or promise for any compensation. I am voluntarily giving my opinion about this book. My only affiliation with the author is that I am a fan and want to support by reading and posting this review of my own free will.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Beautiful Story

Chloe Hicks' life has a jerk of an ex-husband, a bunch of bills, and an horse business that she might lose until a fire destroys the stable and her beloved ranch horse. Chloe and her trainer are injured trying to save the horses. Then she is being accused of arson by the Marshall. Her mom talks her into leaving town until the true arsonist is caught. While she is in Virginia staying at a place her trainer owns, she starts hearing and seeing weird things, she meets sexy historian Jackson Hahn who is curious about the weird things happening where Chloe is living and starts to look into things for Chole. If you want to know what happens with Chloe, her ex-husband and Jackson Hahn. You really need to read this book. It is a must read book. I truly loved and enjoyed listening to this book!! Narrator Sara K. Sheckells did an awesome job narrating this Beautiful Story!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Emotional Mystery

This is a very interesting story by Wynne. It can be confusing if you aren’t expecting it. There is a back and forth between present and past in this novel. I enjoyed reading about Grace and Chloe both, although both of them also were breaking my heart with their troubles. The mystery aspect was also really good and had me sitting in my chair reading with a lot of suspense! I was truly captured by this story and would definitely love to read on in this series. I am glad that things were able to work out for Chloe in the end and that she was able to find someone worth loving, unlike her ex. There were good romantic moments in here as well that just gave me the tingly feels! I give it a 5/5!

The narration by Sheckells was great! I’ve listened to her before and have enjoyed past work. The characters were easily recognizable and she had a smooth voice. I give her audio a 5/5 as well!

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Aubrey Wynne. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A Must Listen To!!!

If you only plan on listening to just one audiobook this year then this should be the one as the author's creativity of blending between the old and the new, the past and the present, will quickly pick you up an transport you into this beautifully told story full of accusations, hurt and betrayal. The characters are intoxicating and the narrator's voice lulls you like a beautiful lullaby and makes you want to stay within the storyline. I certainly loved this story and highly recommend it to one and all.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Entertaining, Narrator does a great job

Sweet story with some suspense! I enjoy Aubrey Wynne's story telling, and how she blends the past with the present. I enjoyed the bit of ghostly element as well. I listened to the audio for Saving Grace, and the narrator does a great job. The narrator's voice fits the tone of the story very well, and she gives a clear performance. Chloe awakens to her barn on fire, she receives some burns from trying to rescue her horses, but she's physically okay. Chloe runs a horse business, and she can't do that with her barn burnt down. Unfortunately, the police suspect arson, so this throws a wrench into some of Chloe's plans. On top of this mess, Chloe's ex-husband is trying to win her back. Chloe isn't feeling safe at her ranch, so she decides to go away for a little while until the police find the culprit. While away, Chloe has some ghostly experiences. The premise makes this story seem like it focuses more on romance, but I don't think it really does. I enjoyed the romance elements, but I would've liked for there to be more. I still really enjoyed the whole story though. It's very interesting, and I loved that there's scenes that take place in the past. Wonderful story!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

History and Fiction in one book

Saving Grace by Aubrey Wynne is book one of Enchanted Keepsakes series. It is a very shot book, but has a lot of stuff crammed in on those pages. I don't say this as a bad thing. You actually are getting dual stories. The 2nd part of the story is taken from the history books.

Present day, Divorcee Chloe Hicks is trying to get on with her life and started a horse stable in Shawneetown Illinois. With just her trainer, her mother, and herself they are on the brink of making a profit, when in the middle of the night the barn mysteriously catches fire. After loosing her favorite horse, herself and her trainer almost loosing their life, her abusive ex-husband shows back up. When Chloe refuses to step back into that situation her ex starts spreading rumors. Chloe's Mom thinks she needs to get away for a while. So she heads off to Virginia Beach for some R & R.

Grace Sherwood "The witch of Pungo" Is a true story. It really happened in the 1700's in Colonial Virginia. Grace lived in the small town of Pungo Virginia. In 1706 she was accused and convicted of being a witch. She had a trial and was sentenced to what was called a docking. The person would be cross tied, right thumb to left big toe and left thumb to right big toe. If the person floated they were deemed a witch, if they drowned they were innocent. Grace was able to get a hand free and did not drown. She was tossed under twice and survived. She was then jailed. She was released around 1714, and died in 1740. There are statues of her in Virginia to this day. She was also pardoned in 2006 on the 300th anniversary of her docking by the Virginia State Governor Timothy Kaine.

When Chloe arrives in Virginia Beach, strange things happen. She sees a lady in Colonial clothing, she is covered one night with a blanket, things along those lines. But when her Ex shows up with a gun the true help comes from the Afterlife as Grace helps Chloe escape certain death.

The Audiobook is narrated by Sara K. Sheckells. I felt she done and excellent job with this book. She kept my attention and kept the story line flowing nicely. I enjoyed the voices for the different characters. And the feeling she gave parts of the story was awesome. I will be looking for more books narrated by her.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Aubrey Wynne. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very Entertaining!

What did you love best about Saving Grace?

The storyline

What did you like best about this story?

This was a very good book. Narration was also very good. Has a story line twist that makes you wonder what will happen next. Looking forward to the next book.

Have you listened to any of Sara K. Sheckells’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Very Good

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Saving Grace

This is a fantastic story, very well written by Aubrey Wynne! I like how different times are interrelated in this story. I really like this author. Her stories captivate me and always surprise me. The narration was also great! I'm looking forward to read more stories written by this author.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

AWESOME!!!!

What a book. I loved how the author wove two stories into one from different times. This book is full of many facets from strong characters who know how to preserver, a witch, a talisman, history facts, a stalker, a romantic interest, wonderful pets, hope and a great storyline. I thought the narrator did an excellent job with the various emotions needed and was able to create the right sense of urgency. This is a standalone book by a very talented author whom I am grateful to have found. I will definitely listen to more of her books. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. I can't recommend this book enough. It really is worth listening to and the ending did a fantastic way of tying the two stories together.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A little bit of everything!

I am a lover of many romance sub-genres and this story has them all rolled into one with a story that will suck you in and keep you listening! By the cover, you would expect a story about the love of a woman and her horse, and that would be enough for me to listen to it, but to my surprise, there is so much more to this. Chloe Hicks has been divorced for three years and has been working on her ranch with her business partner Paul. When fire strikes, injuring herself and Paul, not only does her business take the hit, but the Marshall is accusing her of arson. Her controlling ex is coming around and with the advice of Chloe's mother, she gets out of town to remove herself from the town gossip and her ex. Now in the hills of Virginia, Chloe meets Jackson, a local historian. Could he be the one for her? With a few strange occurrences, Jackson begins to look into things and the history he finds could be the answers to these happenings. It's historical references back to the time of witches and trials is something I love to learn about and enjoyed the look flashbacks into Grace's life.Saving Grace is a romantic suspense you will not want to miss.

Sara K Sheckells narrates this with her warm voice. She is quickly becoming a favorite to listen to, her ability to tell a story is wonderful. She brings this story to life and makes it a very enjoyable listen.