What do you think?
Rate this book
Grace Series #1
Smoldering Embers
"Death is only the beginning." You hear that all the time. Maybe it is, for the soul who passes on. But what about the ones who are left behind?
I lost my husband unexpectedly in a tragic accident and now have to move back to my childhood home in New Orleans. Thank God for my friends Wesley and Paige. I’d be absolutely lost without them. As I pick up the pieces of what is left of my life, we settle back into our old routines. That is until I hire Olivier to work for me. Now my world is once again turning upside down as the people I’m closest to, old and new, shed the skin of what is familiar and ultimately redefine the nature of our relationships. Couple all of this with the return of my debilitating headaches and ominous dreams of green fire, and well, I’m just at a loss.
What do you do when what you thought you knew turns out to be wrong? What do you do when you find out you can’t trust the people closest to you? What do you do when you keep trying to move forward but life keeps getting in the way? And given all of this, how am I supposed to figure out who Charlotte Grace is now?
I lost my husband unexpectedly in a tragic accident and now have to move back to my childhood home in New Orleans. Thank God for my friends Wesley and Paige. I’d be absolutely lost without them. As I pick up the pieces of what is left of my life, we settle back into our old routines. That is until I hire Olivier to work for me. Now my world is once again turning upside down as the people I’m closest to, old and new, shed the skin of what is familiar and ultimately redefine the nature of our relationships. Couple all of this with the return of my debilitating headaches and ominous dreams of green fire, and well, I’m just at a loss.
What do you do when what you thought you knew turns out to be wrong? What do you do when you find out you can’t trust the people closest to you? What do you do when you keep trying to move forward but life keeps getting in the way? And given all of this, how am I supposed to figure out who Charlotte Grace is now?
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2013
1 person is currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
P.M. Briede
8 books352 followersNYT Best Selling Author for the anthology Wicked After Dark!
I have been a fan of realistic fantasy all my life. The idea of alternate explanations for the mundane, fascinates me. As a woman with deep southern roots, I am not one who is quick to dismiss the otherworldly. However, the idea that our world isn't as big and foreboding as it seems, also plays heavily into my writing.
I am the author of fan favorite cliffhanger series, The Charlotte Grace Series and The Empathy Delacroix Series. I have also written a novel, The Underground.
If you are interested in keeping up with me and my books, feel free to follow me on social media:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/pm.briede
Twitter: @PMBriede
www.pmbriede.com
I have been a fan of realistic fantasy all my life. The idea of alternate explanations for the mundane, fascinates me. As a woman with deep southern roots, I am not one who is quick to dismiss the otherworldly. However, the idea that our world isn't as big and foreboding as it seems, also plays heavily into my writing.
I am the author of fan favorite cliffhanger series, The Charlotte Grace Series and The Empathy Delacroix Series. I have also written a novel, The Underground.
If you are interested in keeping up with me and my books, feel free to follow me on social media:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/pm.briede
Twitter: @PMBriede
www.pmbriede.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 2, 2013
WOW!
That is the only word to describe the tale woven by P.M. Briede. An exciting romantic suspense filled with twists and turns, great characters, and surprising cliffhanger ending.
Charlotte Grace is a beautiful widow returning to her hometown to heal over the loss of her husband. Enter her two best friends who she has remained in clse contact with during her marriage.
Romance entails with two unexpected suitors thrown in with haunting dreams of green fire and a forgotten past and you have the makings for an intense read with a paranormal twist.
It's one of those stories you can't put down and can't wait to see what happens next. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this character's life...
That is the only word to describe the tale woven by P.M. Briede. An exciting romantic suspense filled with twists and turns, great characters, and surprising cliffhanger ending.
Charlotte Grace is a beautiful widow returning to her hometown to heal over the loss of her husband. Enter her two best friends who she has remained in clse contact with during her marriage.
Romance entails with two unexpected suitors thrown in with haunting dreams of green fire and a forgotten past and you have the makings for an intense read with a paranormal twist.
It's one of those stories you can't put down and can't wait to see what happens next. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this character's life...
July 15, 2015
I received this from the author for a honest review.
Smoldering Embers by P.M. Briede is book 1 in a series. It's romantic, mysterious, and suspenseful. I really had a hard time figuring out just what the twist of this book was up until the very end. It was bloody brilliant.
Charlotte Grace is a widow returning home after the loss of her husband. Her friends Wesley and Paige are rallying around her to help her overcome her loss and get back to her life. Charlotte also seems to suffer from debilitating headaches that cause these horrific nightmares. It's very mysterious as to why she has these headaches and crazy nightmares. Slowly Charlotte begins to move on with her life. Then one day in walks all Oliver. He has come to apply for a position that Charlotte is hiring for. There seems to be some crazy connection with him and she feels like she really knows him. Oliver insist they have never met. Yet, the sexual chemistry between the two is sizzling. All the while her friend Wesley is Hinton to wanting to be more than friends. Now Charlotte must decide between two men her friend or the mysterious Oliver.
I'm almost afraid to give you too much information as then you will be able to do the discover exactly what this book is about.I really want to keep you in the dark so that you can enjoy the suspense and mystery as much as I did. The author did a very brilliant job of keeping us intrigued and on our toes.
The only con I have is sometimes I felt things jumped ahead and around leaving me a little off track. Otherwise this was a very well written and wonderful 4 star read! I recommend everyone giving it a go.
4 stars.
Sent from my iPhone
Smoldering Embers by P.M. Briede is book 1 in a series. It's romantic, mysterious, and suspenseful. I really had a hard time figuring out just what the twist of this book was up until the very end. It was bloody brilliant.
Charlotte Grace is a widow returning home after the loss of her husband. Her friends Wesley and Paige are rallying around her to help her overcome her loss and get back to her life. Charlotte also seems to suffer from debilitating headaches that cause these horrific nightmares. It's very mysterious as to why she has these headaches and crazy nightmares. Slowly Charlotte begins to move on with her life. Then one day in walks all Oliver. He has come to apply for a position that Charlotte is hiring for. There seems to be some crazy connection with him and she feels like she really knows him. Oliver insist they have never met. Yet, the sexual chemistry between the two is sizzling. All the while her friend Wesley is Hinton to wanting to be more than friends. Now Charlotte must decide between two men her friend or the mysterious Oliver.
I'm almost afraid to give you too much information as then you will be able to do the discover exactly what this book is about.I really want to keep you in the dark so that you can enjoy the suspense and mystery as much as I did. The author did a very brilliant job of keeping us intrigued and on our toes.
The only con I have is sometimes I felt things jumped ahead and around leaving me a little off track. Otherwise this was a very well written and wonderful 4 star read! I recommend everyone giving it a go.
4 stars.
Sent from my iPhone
August 6, 2016
I received this book from the author and from Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock.
> Smoldering Embers is the first book in the Charlotte Grace serIes and ends with a huge cliffhanger. The story introduces us to Charlotte and her besties, Wesley and Paige. Charlotte loses her husband and is heavily grieving his loss. A bit of a mystery is announced as Charlotte suffers from debilitating headaches that occur on and off her whole life, but at a specific time in the early morning. What do her dreams have to do with the story? It keeps the reader guessing and the pages turning.
As Charlotte, begins her life, post husband, she starts a job that puts her into contact with a mysterious stranger, Olivier. He is all things sexy, but is he good for Charlotte? Her BFF, Wesley, is becoming more than a BFF. This creates a delicious love triangle, filled with, jealousy, angst and love. Add the suspense of the dreams and this book is hard to put down.
> This book ends with a cliffhanger and rather abruptly. I enjoyed the way you looked at the characters one way and then in just a paragraph or two, you'd have a completely different view. The romance was hot, but not explicit. There was definitely a "less is more" style of writing. Enough was implied, though, that would prevent this book from being geared towards young teens.
> This book is for an adult audience.
> Smoldering Embers is the first book in the Charlotte Grace serIes and ends with a huge cliffhanger. The story introduces us to Charlotte and her besties, Wesley and Paige. Charlotte loses her husband and is heavily grieving his loss. A bit of a mystery is announced as Charlotte suffers from debilitating headaches that occur on and off her whole life, but at a specific time in the early morning. What do her dreams have to do with the story? It keeps the reader guessing and the pages turning.
As Charlotte, begins her life, post husband, she starts a job that puts her into contact with a mysterious stranger, Olivier. He is all things sexy, but is he good for Charlotte? Her BFF, Wesley, is becoming more than a BFF. This creates a delicious love triangle, filled with, jealousy, angst and love. Add the suspense of the dreams and this book is hard to put down.
> This book ends with a cliffhanger and rather abruptly. I enjoyed the way you looked at the characters one way and then in just a paragraph or two, you'd have a completely different view. The romance was hot, but not explicit. There was definitely a "less is more" style of writing. Enough was implied, though, that would prevent this book from being geared towards young teens.
> This book is for an adult audience.
February 11, 2014
Charlotte Grace is no stranger to tragedy yet is unclear what to do next with her life. She moves to New Orleans for a fresh start, new job, and seeing old friends. For years, Charlotte has been dreaming about green fire and green eyes which leave her with horrendous migraine headache and sweating. Upon meeting Olivier Cheval, Charlotte's dreams intensify and include familiar voices in them. Charlotte cannot deny the connection between her and Olivier yet instinctively knows that he's hiding something from her no matter that she asks the truth from him repeatedly. Charlotte's oldest friends Paige Lochs and Wesley Breaux want to bring her out of shell of grieving to enjoying life. Why does Charlotte dream of green fire and familiar voices? Will Olivier tell Charlotte the truth? Your answers await you in Smoldering Embers.
I thought the book was well written with intriguing characters. Charlotte's quiet grace belies the strength of will she carries through out the book. She doesn't always understand her dreams and what they mean but cannot deny their importance in her life. Mystery voices that seem familiar echo from dreams to reality until you don't know fact from fiction. I'm interested in seeing where the author takes this series in the next book.
I thought the book was well written with intriguing characters. Charlotte's quiet grace belies the strength of will she carries through out the book. She doesn't always understand her dreams and what they mean but cannot deny their importance in her life. Mystery voices that seem familiar echo from dreams to reality until you don't know fact from fiction. I'm interested in seeing where the author takes this series in the next book.
March 25, 2015
OMG!!! What a great beginning to a series, I was blown away. Smoldering Embers is the first book in the Charlotte Grace Series, which introduces the reader to Charlotte, who recently lost her husband and still in the grieving process. Charlotte has recurring headaches with strange dreams and voices that occur at the same time each night.
Charlotte reenters the job force by the help of her long time friend Wesley. Wesley has loved Charlotte for years and would like the relationship to go further. However, Olivier steps into the picture and Charlotte has an unexplained connection with him. Charlotte ends up being chased by 2 men who want hers and must make some hard decisions.
Charlotte's dreams intensify and she begins to recognize who the voices belong to, but before she can put all the pieces together tragedy happens.
PM writes a wonderful story with a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting to read the next book in the series immediately. The characters are well written and you become involved in what will happen next to Charlotte.
I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys cliffhangers and paranormal.
Charlotte reenters the job force by the help of her long time friend Wesley. Wesley has loved Charlotte for years and would like the relationship to go further. However, Olivier steps into the picture and Charlotte has an unexplained connection with him. Charlotte ends up being chased by 2 men who want hers and must make some hard decisions.
Charlotte's dreams intensify and she begins to recognize who the voices belong to, but before she can put all the pieces together tragedy happens.
PM writes a wonderful story with a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting to read the next book in the series immediately. The characters are well written and you become involved in what will happen next to Charlotte.
I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys cliffhangers and paranormal.
October 12, 2014
A Rollercoaster For The Emotions
This is the story of Charlotte Grace, told in the first person perspective, as she's caught between two men. I fell in love with Wesley during the first few times she interacted with him. Olivier (which he pronounces as Oliver, so that threw me off)…I honestly never liked him. I can see why other readers do, and the author definitely tries to show why Charlotte is attracted to him (and he does sound hot!), but I already had my mind made up that she should choose Wesley, so that might be why I did not care for Olivier!
This is by no means a simple 'who will Charlotte choose' sort of book! I laughed, I cried, and I definitely shook more than my share of fists through numerous parts. This is book 1 of a series about these characters, so you need to plan on getting the whole series! I am starting book 2 NOW!
This is the story of Charlotte Grace, told in the first person perspective, as she's caught between two men. I fell in love with Wesley during the first few times she interacted with him. Olivier (which he pronounces as Oliver, so that threw me off)…I honestly never liked him. I can see why other readers do, and the author definitely tries to show why Charlotte is attracted to him (and he does sound hot!), but I already had my mind made up that she should choose Wesley, so that might be why I did not care for Olivier!
This is by no means a simple 'who will Charlotte choose' sort of book! I laughed, I cried, and I definitely shook more than my share of fists through numerous parts. This is book 1 of a series about these characters, so you need to plan on getting the whole series! I am starting book 2 NOW!
August 21, 2015
From beginning to end, the suspense never stops. The characters are mature, witty, & addictive, the mystery enveloping, and the truth gradually invading. You really get to know the heart and soul of this book, Charlotte, and feel her struggles with painful dreams, a confusing reality, and difficult decisions involving those in her life. Just when she thinks things are right, life flips her upside-down again. The "hints" of paranormal don't pull you too far out of the real world, but add flavor to the guessing game. The romance, as a highlight, will take you through steamy, sensual, loving, and heart-melting waves. This author is detailed due to what she knows, making this book a pleasure to read, from the setting to the dialogue to the theatrical arts. You'll stay hooked from the first words through the mild, cliffhanger end. I honestly can't wait to read the next one!
May 28, 2015
Talk about crazy! I don't think I've ever read a book that I had no clue what was going on until the last chapter! This is a great start to the series! The guys have you flip flopping back and forth on their teams and Charlotte was a hard one to like in the beginning for me because she seemed very cold and stuffy but she loosened up and I loved her in the end. My favorite characters would have to be either Paige (Grace's BFF) or Olivier. Paige was so forward and honest, I liked her no holds bard attitude but I can't say I'll feel the same way in the next book! Olivier was such a mystery from the beginning to end, but always seemed 100% sincere!
The writing was great, the characters very different and the story leaves you on the edge of your seat! This is a must read, but beware, you better have book 2 ready to go when you finish book 1!
The writing was great, the characters very different and the story leaves you on the edge of your seat! This is a must read, but beware, you better have book 2 ready to go when you finish book 1!
October 20, 2014
First of all, I highly suggest not starting this novel until you have the entire series. I absolutely loved this novel. I could not put the thing down and upon reaching the end, there was no hesitation in picking up Wild Fire. P.M. is a great story teller, ensnaring every emotion within those of her characters. I found myself thinking about their day to day lives while not regaling us with the goings on of the more important bits. The cliffhanger at the end of the novel left me wanting more, but I was not annoyed by it. The characters are realistic, and have very human thoughts, fears, and strengths. The only part I had troubles believing was how perfect these men seemed. I found in her later works that P.M. rectifies this.
October 2, 2014
I really like this. Grace moves back to New Orleans after her husband dies to be closer to her family and her bff's Wesley and Paige. Wesley gets her a director job where she hires Olivier.
Both men want her. Wesley thought he'd lost his chances when she got married. Grace knows she met Oliver before but he denies it.
Weird things happen when Olivier is around but he's able to explain it away.
The end of the book was a surprise and not. I actually suspected what Olivier reveals since their date but what Wesley and Paige said completely ticked me off.
I love the writing. Its descriptive and captivating.
Both men want her. Wesley thought he'd lost his chances when she got married. Grace knows she met Oliver before but he denies it.
Weird things happen when Olivier is around but he's able to explain it away.
The end of the book was a surprise and not. I actually suspected what Olivier reveals since their date but what Wesley and Paige said completely ticked me off.
I love the writing. Its descriptive and captivating.
October 20, 2014
this is a series that will suck you in, keep you guessing, turn up the heat and make you crave gumbo all at the same time. The characters are rich, well developed and wrap around you and pull you into their world in the first chapter. I could not put this down and had to start the next book as soon as I reached the end of the first. PM Briede is an author that you will want to move to the top of your favorite to follow list. The action and depth of emotions she gives her characters is that of a seasoned writer and one that brings her characters to life and makes them walk off the page and become friends and enemys.
December 4, 2014
OH MY GOD!!! How the bloody hell am I supposed to sleep? I just finished book one and it's taking every ounce of self control I have not to start book 2 - ONLY because I know I won't be able to stop!!! I had absolutely no idea what to expect after reading what the book is about but I was hooked right away. The story is just brilliant and has you jumping from one side to the other - Wesley is great - No Olivier is better - No Wesley is better and so on. I think I may have an inkling what is going on and BAM - blown out of the water - nothing is as it seems. Just brilliant and I CAN'T WAIT to start book two ... :)
March 13, 2015
Shame on me for not reviewing this sooner!!! I absolutely loved this book and PM Briede is just the nicest author around <3
How I love how Charlotte Grace's story is told. Caught between two men. I have to admit what a hard choice. Lots of emotions are in this book and will leave you high one second then crashing down the next chapter. This is only book one of the series but lucky for me I've already read book 2 so I just need to get to book 3 next <3 I love this world that was created and the characters you really want to cheer on these two men to win over Charlotte.
Highly recommend to all! This cover is just awesome BTW
How I love how Charlotte Grace's story is told. Caught between two men. I have to admit what a hard choice. Lots of emotions are in this book and will leave you high one second then crashing down the next chapter. This is only book one of the series but lucky for me I've already read book 2 so I just need to get to book 3 next <3 I love this world that was created and the characters you really want to cheer on these two men to win over Charlotte.
Highly recommend to all! This cover is just awesome BTW
May 7, 2015
This is a really great book. I didn't want to stop to write a review, as I just need to read the next one! Charlotte Grace is a very deep character, and I found myself empathizing greatly with each emotion she portrayed. Grief, hurt, anger, love, lust, contentment,... I felt them ALL, strongly. The two men warring for her affections couldn't have been more different. Wesley, with his boy-next-door charms, and Olivier, with his strong passions... The only thing they have in common is their love for Charlotte. The thing that really made this book stand out for me, was the last couple of chapters. The ending was completely unexpected, and the reason I can't wait to read book 2!
October 30, 2014
After losing her husband and moving back home to Louisiana Charlotte tries to rebuild her life while dealing with dreams of green fire. Caught between 2 men and their obsession with her , both hiding their own dark secrets, Charlotte must trust her instincts to get through. The first of a trilogy Smoldering Embers was well written and the storyline was interesting. I only gave it 4 Stars due to the fact it's outside my normal genre, therefore I had some difficulty getting into the story. I will be reading the next book in the series to see what happens with the characters
June 3, 2015
Smoldering Embers is a unique and intriguing read. It does have a paranormal aspect, but it isn't explained in this first book. We, the readers, are figuring it out as Charlotte does because the book is in her point of view. I like a guessing game and this one kept me on my toes. I cannot wait to find out more. Also, the storyline is excellent and I love all of the characters. Paige may be one of my favorites because she adds a little humor to the book. I cannot wait to read the next book, Wild Fire!
January 28, 2014
This author's ability to weave the emotive with the paranormal is exceptional. Is this really her first novel? Charlotte's story takes us through many twists and turns. You will enjoy and feel them all.
Smoldering Embers is a very well written, well thought-out novel for a first time writer. I am truly impressed and recommend it for readers looking for something new to add to their paranormal TBR list.
Smoldering Embers is a very well written, well thought-out novel for a first time writer. I am truly impressed and recommend it for readers looking for something new to add to their paranormal TBR list.
February 13, 2014
Wow. This was a fantastic read. It kept me intrigued and questioning until the very end with just enough loose ends to desperately want to read the next book Wild Fire. In fact, I committed a cardinal sin and skipped to the end briefly before going back and finishing it properly. It was well written and renewed my faith in self published authors. Amazing- I will definitely be watching this author and adding her to my favorites list; which isn't easy to do.
October 13, 2014
Smoldering Embers is the first book in the Charlotte Grace series and ends with a huge cliffhanger. The story introduces her beasts, Wesley, Paige, and us to Charlotte. Charlotte loses her husband and is heavily grieving his loss. A bit of a mystery is announced as Charlotte suffers from debilitating headaches that occur on and off her whole life, but at a specific time in the early morning. What do her dreams have to do with the story? It keeps the reader guessing and the pages turning.
October 14, 2014
P.M. Briede delivers a tale that's filled with twists and turns. This book is well written with great character development. You can't help but feel all the emotions that Charlotte goes through in this story. Her dreams are so vividly described you almost feel like your in the middle of them. The story progresses naturally and takes the reader on a journey that leaves them hungry for the next book. I can't wait to see where this story goes. Great read by a great new author!
October 21, 2013
Very intriging book. I had trouble putting it down. Read it in a few days. I was disappointed that it turned out to be sort of super natural as it deminished the reality of the whole story. (I knew it was a romantic fiction but a girl can dream along with the plot.) Hope I get to read the second part soon.
October 13, 2014
This book was amazing! I love books that are unpredictable and keep you guessing. This was the first story in a long time that my predictions on outcomes were wrong. I love the character Charlotte who moved back to New Orleans after losing her husband, so that she could be closer to her friends. I will be reading the rest of the books in this series.
May 25, 2015
I loved this story. The way PM writes you can feel the emotions of her characters like you are in the scene with them. I absolutely love Paige, Charlott's best friend she is just so much fun. The ending left me needing more. I will definitely be jumping into the next book to find out what happens next.
October 25, 2015
WOW this book has your attention and emotions from the start, you feel all of Charlotte's emotions and those around her, you will be guessing and wondering right through this book. This has been a brilliant read and I am still left thinking about what happened in it and how, I don't need to put spoilers in this as you will thoroughly enjoy the suspense.
May 29, 2015
Wow!! What the heck did I just read?!?! I didn't really know what to expect when I starting reading but I can assure you it wasn't what I experienced!! So many secrets and unanswered questions. An unbelievable book that draws you in and makes it impossible to put it down.
March 10, 2015
Talk about a cliffhanger! Wow! Just when you thought you'd have all the answers to Charlotte's burning quesions... Who are these people surrounding Charlotte? Just when you think you know who your friends are, your life turns upside down. I need to start book 2 right away!
February 3, 2015
Charlotte Grace....
PM Briede delivers a POWERFUL story full of friendship, love, and MYSTERY!!! This book hit my intrigue button from page one!! I can not wait to read book 2!!! Absolutely outstanding writing!!!
PM Briede delivers a POWERFUL story full of friendship, love, and MYSTERY!!! This book hit my intrigue button from page one!! I can not wait to read book 2!!! Absolutely outstanding writing!!!
May 22, 2015
4.5 Stars!!! It took me a few chapters to actually get into it but it was a very good story. I read this story completely unaware as to what the story was about. But, after a few chapters it became very intriguing and I found myself trying to guess what was going to happen next.
September 7, 2014
Please see my review of another edition.
Read
March 13, 2014This is a new author for me and wow! Loved the book.. Must read the additional books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews