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Out of the Ashes

4.43 of 5 stars 4.43 · rating details · 42 ratings · 26 reviews

Theirs was a love destined to be -- torn apart by the wrath of Vesuvius

Pompeii, AD 79

David and Sera are soul mates meant to be together, if only their bumbling guardian angels could do their job right...

First united in Pompeii as a privileged merchant's daughter and a slave gladiator, their young love is cut short when Vesuvius unexpectedly erupts. After several botched at...more

ebook, 376 pages

Published March 2012 by Amari Press

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Oct 12, 2012 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, pnr-uf, demons-angels

3.5 Stars

Do you believe in soul mates? Do you ever wonder why you haven’t met yours? Well if the guardian angels in charge of your love life are anything like Hershel and Marsha, you’ll wonder no longer.

Sera and David are soul mates. Their guardian angels Marsha and Hershel have been tasked with ensuring that the two meet, fall in love, marry then procreate. Preferably in that order. Finding love should be easy with two angels on your side right? Wrong- Hershel and Marsha must have bumbled their...more

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Jan 25, 2013 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

If you can imagine mixing Clarence, the quirky guardian angel in the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life" with a love story spanning from Pompeii 79 A.D. to finally end up in Italy in 1943, you might enjoy the unique love story of David and Serafina. You see, they have lived many lives over and over again, always meeting as strangers, though never quite capturing the chance at the romance and HEA they were always meant to have. That's because their guardian angles, Hershel and Marsha keep screwing it...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Jhoana rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received this book from read2review

Cover: Eye catching

characters:

Marsha/Maria= love it! love it!
Hershel/Heberto= love it! love it!

Sera= LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

David=LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

Giovanni= Hate him!
Frank= 50/50
Smithers= His not so bad!

I felt like i robbed Ms.Lori Dillon for getting her book for free! i recommend this with my friends!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! i don't want to spoil anything because its so worth the read!!!!

I don't know if this can even be considered as a review but I LOVE IT I...more

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Aug 04, 2012 Stephanie Dagg rated it 5 of 5 stars

Out of the Ashes by Lori Dillon is a wonderful combination of romance and history with a dash of the paranormal for good measure. It’s one of those books you can’t put down. It’s a simple yet clever story of love through time. Due to Marsha and Hershel, two bungling yet likeable angels who enjoy bingo, Male 2028 and Female 5293 don’t get to enjoy the loving life together they’re meant to have. Their first reincarnations are as Dacian the gladiator and Sabina the well-born politician’s niece in P...more

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Jul 12, 2012 Margaret rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Have you ever had the feeling when you meet someone that you have met them before? This book is all about knowing someone from your past who is your present. The reincarnation of two souls was never on the high point of my belief scale. That is until I read this book. Now I do have a small belief that when two souls are destined to be together, nothing will stop them, not even time.
When I first started reading this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, let alone finish it. Then all of...more Have you ever had the feeling when you meet someone that you have met them before? This book is all about knowing someone from your past who is your present. The reincarnation of two souls was never on the high point of my belief scale. That is until I read this book. Now I do have a small belief that when two souls are destined to be together, nothing will stop them, not even time.
When I first started reading this book, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it, let alone finish it. Then all of a sudden I was interested in finding out things that had to do with the characters. I wanted to know if they were going to meet, how they were going to meet and if they would stay together. I have to say, by the end of the book, I will admit I enjoyed reading it. I cannot say that I fell in love with the book, but I did enjoy it.
Marsha and Hershel are two angels who are in charge of a male and female. Their duty to the humans is to make sure that they meet, fall in love and have children. The problem is that they keep messing up on that. First there was a natural disaster, then there was a mix up in ages, and then there were a few other issues that stopped the humans from being together. Marsha and Hershel were given one last chance to get their job done correctly. If they failed, they would both be reassigned to other duties. So, the angels became human to help guide their prospects on the right path. Little did they know that their job would not be an easy one.
David is on a mission in Italy. He is undercover for the Americans to find out where the Germans are keeping people and other things. He decides to join an archeologist crew so that he is able to be close to his destination without being detected. All he wants to do is do his job, and get out. He never thought that he would meet a woman who would make him feel differently.
Serafina is an archeologist who is digging in Italy. All she wants to do is her job. The problem is that everyone else on her job site is a man. Since she has issues with men in the first place, she doesn’t want to get involved with anyone. Then David comes along changes everything for her. She starts by telling him her deepest secrets and then she starts to fall for him. She never thought he was keeping anything from her. She just thought he was involved with another woman and that is why he rejected her.
Throughout the rest of the book, there was a constant tug of war between Sera and David. She didn’t trust herself to be with him because of who he is but she always tried to save him from getting captured or dying. David always tried to convince her that they could be together but soon realized that if they were together they might both die because he would return to America and she would stay in Italy.
By the end of the book, they lived and died together. There were a few surprises along their way. But in the end they were together as they were supposed to be. A happily ever after ending.
I have to say that I enjoyed the book more than I thought I would have. However it was not one of my all-time favorites. I think the book could have been a little bit clearer about what was going on and the flashbacks to the past. But other than that I did enjoy the book. It was completely different from the other books I have read in the past. I am seriously considering looking up the author and seeing what else she has written. I am definitely considering reading more of her books.
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Jun 15, 2012 Laurie Jenkins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: angels, fiction, historical, kindle, mystery, nor, paranormal, read-in-2012, romance, science-fiction, time-travel

A compelling story that is rich in historical fact, it is also technically well-scripted and contains enough humor to mitigate the darkness that could have become depressing had Ms. Dillon not kept such a tight rein on the central tragedies around which the story is woven.

I liked that both romantic leads were portrayed with a few flaws. I also enjoyed the fact that their relationship, particularly in 1943, was given space to grow. It was fun watching them through the eyes of their guardian ange...more

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May 13, 2012 Critique de Book rated it 5 of 5 stars

Warning: spoilers!

After many tries to get male 2028 and female 5923 together, Marsha and Hershel – Guardian Angels – are called into the office of Mr. Smithers – the King of Heaven – to explain why they have not succeeded to get them together before they died – killed in the eruption of Vesuvius. Smithers decides to send these two to Earth to help them personally, but without their Heavenly powers.

It’s now June 1943 in Pompeii, Italy. Here Serafina and David meet again, and although attracted,...more

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May 19, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

Out of the Ashes by Lori Dillon was such a pleasant surprise for me. I have to admit that normally when I go into reading an ebook by a self published author I am always a bit wary. I have found some wonderful books this way, but it is just as likely to find books that are choppy, full of grammatical and spelling errors, and lacking in the polish that they might have after vigorous professional editing. I never know what to expect from these books. I am happy to say that this book by Lori Dillon...more Out of the Ashes by Lori Dillon was such a pleasant surprise for me. I have to admit that normally when I go into reading an ebook by a self published author I am always a bit wary. I have found some wonderful books this way, but it is just as likely to find books that are choppy, full of grammatical and spelling errors, and lacking in the polish that they might have after vigorous professional editing. I never know what to expect from these books. I am happy to say that this book by Lori Dillon did not fall into that. She has written a beautiful story that was rich in detail with a story that immediately drew me in and kept me interested throughout. And the ending was one of those endings that just left me sitting quietly, holding my kindle, and simply smiling with satisfaction that only comes after finishing a sweet, romantic book with a sweet, romantic ending.

The major action of the book begins in Pompeii right before the famous eruption of Mount Vesuvius that will quickly entomb more than two thousand people, leaving them permanent locked in that moment of history in several feet of ashes volcanic rock. Dacian is a slave who is held to fight in the gladiator fights that entertain the population of Pompeii, and the only way he can live to see another day is for him to kill the other slave who fights against him. In the fight to the death that occurs in the opening chapter Dacian is fighting against another slave who is his friend. Only one of them can survive, and Dacian believes that it is more important for his friend to survive. He allows himself to be put in a position to die, but he is saved from that fate when Sabina, niece of the Giver of the Games, pleads for his life. Dacian is spared to see another day. Sabina is drawn to this slave for reasons she can't explain, so she visits him. They find themselves pulled to each other despite their unequal standing. It is a beautiful relationship. Unfortunately things cannot progress to a happily ever after because of the big eruption. Sabina rushes to save Dacian, but they are trapped forever with Dacian shielding Sabina in the blast debris that buries Pompeii.

Flash forward to Pompeii in 1943. Now these two spirits are reborn as Serafina and David. Serafina is an archaeologist who is working on uncovering the ancient artifacts contained in the Pompeii ruins. David is a spy for the American army who has volunteered to help at the dig so that he can gain intelligence about the activities of the German army that is encamped next door. This is not a case of love at first sight. Sera does not like David. He pushes all the wrong buttons with her. But with a little help from outside influences they are thrown together in the right situations so that the initial antagonism between the two is worn down and replaced with respect, then friendship, and finally love.

I won't say more about the specifics of this story. It is better to have the story unfold for yourself as you read. I will share a few thoughts about what I liked. I am always a sucker for soul mate stories. I love them! Normally these stories are heavy on the love at first sight angle, but that is not the case with this one. David and Sera's love is gradual, born out of common experiences and mutual understanding. It seemed more natural and realistic, a story you might actually hear in real life. I appreciated that. This is a story with a paranormal element because of the guardian angels involved in massaging this relationship into being (more on them later), but it doesn't really read like a paranormal story. Take out the angel angle, and it is simply an epic love story -- and an amazingly beautiful one at that!

I have to admit that throughout the book I was thinking that I would probably be handing this story a four star rating out of five. It was a great story that I really enjoyed and could easily recommend. But it was the ending of the story that knocked it up to a five star for me. I was in tears, and that isn't common for me as a reader. I'm a hard nut to crack in that regard. But the final chapter was so beautiful and so magical that I was caught up in the romance of the entire story as a whole. I LOVED the happily ever after for David and Sera. It the sort of happily ever after that I want for myself. It is the happily ever after that I would imagine lots of people imagine for themselves after being happily married for many, many years. Simply beautiful.

The one element of the story that I had a problem with was the guardian angel influence. Hershel and Marsha are serving as guardian angels assigned to help David and Sera find each other, but they are constantly making mistakes that keep David and Sera from having the happily ever after that they are meant to have. So David and Sera are reborn over and over until Hershel and Marsha can avoid mistakes so that David and Sera can get things right. This is just me, but I kept thinking of this couple like Clarence from It's a Wonderful Life. Nothing wrong with that. I love that movie. But in this book it kept pulling me out of the story too much. I think it would have been AWESOME if David and Sera had been friends with them on earth but if I had been kept in the dark as to their true mission until the very end. Then if they had been revealed to have been guardian angels it would have been such a magical experience. To have these two influential friends who were so instrumental in David and Sera finding one another, and then to discover that they were heavenly agents would have taken a beautiful story and given me a goosebump worthy reaction at the finale. But this is just a small problem for me. Their presence as written doesn't harm the story ultimately. It still ranks five stars for me.

So, I highly recommend this story for those who are fans of romances that span time and place. It is an amazing story of two people who find love in the midst of difficult situations. I loved the story of ancient Pompeii, and I loved the more modern story of what it means to be part of an archaeological dig to uncover the history of a people. Loved it! I am so grateful to Lori Dillon for giving me the opportunity to experience the beauty of David and Sera's story, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.(less)

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Oct 02, 2012 Elsa Carrion rated it 5 of 5 stars

Title: Out of the Ashes
Author: Lori Dillion
Format: ebook
Genre: Romance

Definitely a must read!! I could not put it down, but one must sleep. I loved the romance, the history and the characters. No annoying characters in this great story, Sera and David are great together. Marsha and Hershel are another great set of characters that without the story would not be the same. The plot was unique, I haven’t read a story that span over so much time and it worked so well for the story, providing just eno...more

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Apr 23, 2012 Kristin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, historical-romance, paranormal-romance, favorites

I was asked to review this book by the author. I thought it would be a fun romantic read but I had no clue that I would fall in love with this book from the very beginning.

The book starts off with a gladiator slave who is about to enter the arena where he will fight to the death. When he is about to be defeated and killed, there is a commotion in the stands of the arena. A young woman is pleading for his life to be spared and crazy enough the crowds seem to agree with her. His life is spared an...more I was asked to review this book by the author. I thought it would be a fun romantic read but I had no clue that I would fall in love with this book from the very beginning.

The book starts off with a gladiator slave who is about to enter the arena where he will fight to the death. When he is about to be defeated and killed, there is a commotion in the stands of the arena. A young woman is pleading for his life to be spared and crazy enough the crowds seem to agree with her. His life is spared and he is able to live another day to fight in the arena. The young woman starts visiting the slave gladiator and they start to develop a friendship that is rapidly becoming something more but then Vesuvius erupts and their time together is cut short.

The story then changes to their guardian angels getting chewed out for allowing their charges to die before their time and are given a second chance by having their charges be reincarnated, and then again, and again. Until we get David and Sera. I was a little glad that the author didn't make us read about all of the failures but rather the first time these two spirits meet and then fast forward to the current time for the two characters which just so happens to be during WWII. Sera is an archaeologist digging up the remains of Pompeii and David is an American spy who happened to get a job as Sera's assistant but is really there to spy on the German camp that is practically in Sera's excavation site's backyard.

I must say that it was instantaneous love for me when I started reading about the gladiators. I am not a huge history buff but somethings do interest me and that is one of them. I loved Sera and David. Their characters just worked so well together. And Lori Dillon's writing was spot on for me. She gives you enough details to paint a picture in your head but leaves some of it to your imagination, which I love. She didn't get too heavy with the details weighing you down with too many words and distracting you from the story at hand.

I really enjoyed the author's note at the end that explained that she got the idea when she saw a National Geographic photograph of a plaster cast of a couple from Pompeii. The two died in each others arms and from that picture she imagined who the couple might have been and came up with Out of the Ashes. She did an amazing job with the story and I can't believe that this is a debut novel for her. I cannot wait to read more of her work.

Favorite part...
Sera and David's guardian angels are discussing all of their failures over trying to bring their two souls together with their boss.

"Apparently there was a typo on the relocation application for Male 2028."
"Really?"
"You see, he was supposed to return as a Hun on Horseback."
"And he was sent back as...?"
Marsha and Hershel glanced nervously at each other.
"A monk with a hunchback," Hershel mumbled as he sank lower in his chair.
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Apr 17, 2012 Jennette Powell rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read the first three chapters of this book several years ago in a contest, and never forgot it. The main characters first meet in Pompeii, in 79AD, when the hero is a gladiator slave and the heroine a young noblewoman. Of course, their guardian angles who were supposed to make sure they meet and fall in love didn't count on Mount Vesuvius, and thus begins a series of new lives where each time, angels Herschel and Marsha screw up until they're forced to live as humans and ensure the romance hap...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Alison rated it 3 of 5 stars

(3.5 stars) I really enjoyed this book provided to me by the author through R2R and OCDKay. The story spans the ages from the destruction of Pompeii by the eruption of Vesuvius, to WWII and eventually modern times. I love the history and the otherworldly aspects, although it is a little contrived at times. The characters are strong and lovable and believable, and comic relief comes in the form of 2 angels who may not be that good at their jobs, but they are dedicated and devoted to making things...more

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May 02, 2013 Tracey Moody rated it 5 of 5 stars

A little bit of history mixed with romance, humor, mystery and murder, woven Into a journey through time. Perfect elements of a great little book. Not my normal genre, but I was captivated from the very beginning. I was pulled into the book immediately by the forbidden love and then had to find out if they ended up together. I loved the historical references of Pompeii and the ruins. The humor dotted throughout was a nice touch and was very refreshing. In addition, an interesting fact to note wa...more

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May 20, 2012 Julie Ramsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you like a good love story...this is a great one. A story of 2 lovers who because of issues out of there control, have a very hard time getting together. When 2 angels keep messing up, they are ordered to go back to earth and take care of the problem. So after 4 lifetimes of close calls finally the 2 meet in WW2 Italy. The story is about there problems, enemies, loss of family, and having the courage to fight the odds for love. It is a story that will keep you going to the end. Ms Dillon did...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Tara Chevrestt rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, historical-fiction, kindle

his is by far one of the most entertaining and romantic stories I've read in a long time. It also has humor.

You have four main players: An old couple that has been together centuries, Marsha and Hershel. They're dead. They're guardian angels who apparently aren't doing a good job. They missed the natural disaster memo about the volcano eruption that covered Pompeii. And this time, they ask for a "teenie, weenie miracle," but are told they have to fix it and this time, Sera and David must get tog...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Acacia Green rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was fortunate enough to get my copy as part of a read to review. I'd have to say that I loved this book from the outset.

The two guardian angels were hilarious.

The book is well written and held my attention right to the very end. In addition it made me want to go to Italy, to see Pompeii and the volcano and the ruins.

Dillon provides just enough description, so I was able to use my imagination to fill in the details.

Highly recommend this book.

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Sep 30, 2012 Sharen rated it 3 of 5 stars

What an enchanting story.If you like romance you will like this story. it has a Different story line as two angels are meant to keep this couple which are pre destined to be together with odd things happening that always keep them apart. I would have loved to read their stories from their other lives as well. Too short for me.

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Mar 08, 2013 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-reads

I did not think I would like this book, boy was I wrong. It did take me a while to get into it but I think that was my own doing. Once I allowed myself to enjoy the characters in this book I fell in love with them. I loved Sera and David's journey together it was one of trust and love. The bumbling angles where very much the comic relief the book needed.

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Oct 05, 2012 Cassie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love how this book is a combination of history and romance. I love how the author, Lori has humor to keep the book from becoming depressing. I recommended this book to my younger sister, and she is reading it now. So far she says the book is awesome!

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Apr 11, 2013 Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars

A quick fun read. As a fan of time travel, this book fits the bill with a twist. Romance mixed with some well meaning guardian angels and a volcano make for an interesting tale.

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Jul 12, 2012 Tashia Brandenburg rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-books

I really enjoyed this book. Slightly different plot with the slightly old and senile guardian angels and multiple lives but the author does a good job! This book is all about the "soul mate" of our lives!

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May 21, 2012 Diane Jewkes rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading Out of the Ashes. Lori Dillon has created a wonderful story rich with detail. Her characters are very likable and you root for a happy ending...and she delivers.

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Jun 23, 2012 Willa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this book. Loved the historical settings - so unusual for most romantic fiction. I recommend it.

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Jun 21, 2012 Juliette Brandt rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thought this story was incredibly cute. I loved the idea that this couple was one that was meant to be together, but needed many tries to actually get it right. Read the rest of this review here: http://paperbacksandfrosting.com

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Mar 28, 2013 Kath rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a great read filled with humor, history, love, and archaeology...

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Apr 21, 2012 Alleyne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

This was a really fun book by a debut author. The love story was sweet and built a the right tempo. The "guardian angels" added a wonderful sense of comic relief. Not perfect but well worth the read!

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Jul 07, 2012 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-pnr-sci-fi-romance, romantic-historical-fiction, 2012-debuts

3.5 stars

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May 14, 2013 Cindi marked it as to-read

May 07, 2013 Susan Elmore marked it as to-read

May 06, 2013 Auburn1975 rated it 4 of 5 stars

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About Lori Dillon

In a previous life, Lori worked as a graphic designer for fourteen years for the power company, occasionally venturing into nuclear power plants for her job (yes, nuclear plants need graphic designers, too). In her current existence, she weaves tales of the past, the present, and some places only magic can take you.

Lori lives in Virginia with her engineering geek/hero husband, two kids who test he...more

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