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Past Presence
Past Presence is a finalist for the 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards Best First Crime Novel!
Only by looking into the past can Audrey save her future.
Audrey Eames is happy living the wanderer's life. After a near-death experience in her teens, Audrey can see people's past lives whenever her skin touches theirs, and afraid of being labeled delusional, she's never stayed in one place too long or made any deep connections.
So when Audrey's estranged aunt dies and leaves her the historic Soberly Inn and Public House on the scenic Oregon coast, Audrey wants nothing to do with it. She's determined to sell the inn and leave town before someone discovers the power she's been hiding from the world, but clauses in her aunt's will seem to block her at every turn.
Yet once ensconced in Soberly's small town life, the people-particularly the inn's bartender, Kellen Greene-start to grow on her, and she begins to feel that maybe she's finally found a place of her own. As accepting as the townspeople seem, Audrey fears their reactions-and Kellen's rejection-and decides to keep her visions a secret. But all is not well in Soberly. Soon after Audrey arrives, people in town start dying in the same manner as in their past lives-but in this lifetime it's murder. When suspicion starts to fall on Audrey and Kellen, Audrey vows to use her gift to find the murderer and protect the people she loves-before it's too late.
Only by looking into the past can Audrey save her future.
Audrey Eames is happy living the wanderer's life. After a near-death experience in her teens, Audrey can see people's past lives whenever her skin touches theirs, and afraid of being labeled delusional, she's never stayed in one place too long or made any deep connections.
So when Audrey's estranged aunt dies and leaves her the historic Soberly Inn and Public House on the scenic Oregon coast, Audrey wants nothing to do with it. She's determined to sell the inn and leave town before someone discovers the power she's been hiding from the world, but clauses in her aunt's will seem to block her at every turn.
Yet once ensconced in Soberly's small town life, the people-particularly the inn's bartender, Kellen Greene-start to grow on her, and she begins to feel that maybe she's finally found a place of her own. As accepting as the townspeople seem, Audrey fears their reactions-and Kellen's rejection-and decides to keep her visions a secret. But all is not well in Soberly. Soon after Audrey arrives, people in town start dying in the same manner as in their past lives-but in this lifetime it's murder. When suspicion starts to fall on Audrey and Kellen, Audrey vows to use her gift to find the murderer and protect the people she loves-before it's too late.
346 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2019
26 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Bross
2 books59 followersNicole Bross is an author from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where she lives with her husband, two children and two goblins masquerading as cats. When she’s not writing or working as a book coach and editor for fiction writers and as the editor of Birthing Magazine, she can be found curled up with a book, messing around with her ever-expanding collection of manual typewriters or in the departures lounge of the airport at the beginning of another adventure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 4, 2019
I loved this so much I immediately went to look for more audio books by this author and narrator. The story and characters were amazing.
I thought Audrey was going to be some prude and was so happy that she seemed like someone I’d want as a friend. So many things I’d love to say but I would be spoiling parts of the story. I can say I figured out the ‘who’ before it was revealed but I am not disappointed in that.
I glad that she did not change her mind for Kellen on the big life decision she was forced to make. I’d love more from this story and town if the story were to continue. I want to visit the inn!
Sandra Murphy does an amazing job narrating. I will be looking for more from the author and narrator.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
I thought Audrey was going to be some prude and was so happy that she seemed like someone I’d want as a friend. So many things I’d love to say but I would be spoiling parts of the story. I can say I figured out the ‘who’ before it was revealed but I am not disappointed in that.
I glad that she did not change her mind for Kellen on the big life decision she was forced to make. I’d love more from this story and town if the story were to continue. I want to visit the inn!
Sandra Murphy does an amazing job narrating. I will be looking for more from the author and narrator.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
March 18, 2019
Past Presence by Nicole Bross is a book I won from LibraryThing! This has a gal that inherits an inn from her aunt in a small town. Our gal has a special ability to see glimpses of someone's past lives when she touches them. When she gets to this town, people start dying. They are not just dying but dying like they did in the past life! Very interesting and full of surprises. Love the paranormal twist. Some romance thrown in there too😊!
March 23, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Past Presence. It's been a while since I've been this into a book. I really loved the small town setting through the perspective of someone who moves around a lot. It sort of reminded me of Hart of Dixie, which I love. Audrey's character growth was really well done. She's given a past which explains her inability to stay in one place and her ability is explored often.
There was so much in this novel that I didn't expect like discussions around abortion, race, religion, small-town rumour mills, etc. There's so much about this novel that I loved. Like the pirate/smuggling past of the town and the starving Russian village past of many of the townies. I would really love to see more of Audrey adjusting to her new life. The novel ended on a really good note, but I (personally) would be interested in reading more, probably because I loved the whole thing. I loved her relationship with Kellen (they made me lol so many times). The romance that they develop is funny, yet steamy.
Also, past life narratives were really well thought out. There was a distinct storyline going on in many of the past lives and I really appreciate the parallels between the past lives and the present lives of characters. It was really interesting how the past narratives were introduced. Many times I wouldn't know whose past life I was reading until after the vision was over, which left me curious until I found out.
Overall, this is a really good debut novel from Nicole Bross. I will definitely read more from her in the future. I highly recommend this novel to people who enjoy paranormal mysteries with a hint of smutty romance.
Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
There was so much in this novel that I didn't expect like discussions around abortion, race, religion, small-town rumour mills, etc. There's so much about this novel that I loved. Like the pirate/smuggling past of the town and the starving Russian village past of many of the townies. I would really love to see more of Audrey adjusting to her new life. The novel ended on a really good note, but I (personally) would be interested in reading more, probably because I loved the whole thing. I loved her relationship with Kellen (they made me lol so many times). The romance that they develop is funny, yet steamy.
Also, past life narratives were really well thought out. There was a distinct storyline going on in many of the past lives and I really appreciate the parallels between the past lives and the present lives of characters. It was really interesting how the past narratives were introduced. Many times I wouldn't know whose past life I was reading until after the vision was over, which left me curious until I found out.
Overall, this is a really good debut novel from Nicole Bross. I will definitely read more from her in the future. I highly recommend this novel to people who enjoy paranormal mysteries with a hint of smutty romance.
Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2019
This is a really good story, centred around a truly novel concept — Audrey Eames can see people's past lives when she comes into skin-to-skin contact with them. She inherits an old inn far from home, becomes romantically involved in the new town, and then the mysterious deaths begin. Her "gift" could actually work against her. There were times I just could not put the book down. The author does an excellent job building the main characters in the book, so you begin to identify with their moods, feelings, and thoughts. An outstanding first book...I'm looking forward to her next one!
May 25, 2019
Much to her surprise, Audrey Eames inherits the Soberly Inn and Public House from her Aunt Roz, who she hasn’t seen since she was twelve. Audrey loves her job as a consulting historian, which allows her to travel from place to place, never staying for more than nine months. Now, after meeting the friendly locals – especially bartender Kellen Greene - Audrey contemplates giving up her carefree life, staying in the tiny town of Soberly, Oregon, and taking over the business. But Audrey also has a secret: she can see a person’s past lives just by touching them. When people start dying in the same way they died in a previous life, Audrey decides to use her ability to actively pursue the leads her visions provide, even though she may be putting herself and her new friends in danger.
What a fascinating idea for a book! I was intrigued by the concept that our past lives reflect who we will become and that we remain connected to certain people over our different lifetimes. The story is woven around the present and the past, with Audrey’s visions written in italics. There are also chapters that tell the past-life stories of the townspeople and how they were connected previously. While I did guess the identity of the killer, the story kept my attention throughout.
An interesting mix of contemporary, historical, mystery, paranormal, thriller, suspense, romance, family drama, and humor. In other words, something for everyone.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, sex scenes, violence.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: https://www.booksdirectonline.com/201...
What a fascinating idea for a book! I was intrigued by the concept that our past lives reflect who we will become and that we remain connected to certain people over our different lifetimes. The story is woven around the present and the past, with Audrey’s visions written in italics. There are also chapters that tell the past-life stories of the townspeople and how they were connected previously. While I did guess the identity of the killer, the story kept my attention throughout.
An interesting mix of contemporary, historical, mystery, paranormal, thriller, suspense, romance, family drama, and humor. In other words, something for everyone.
Warnings: coarse language, sexual references, sex scenes, violence.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: https://www.booksdirectonline.com/201...
February 15, 2019
I liked this book. Synopsis lured from the first seconds and I did not regret. Very interesting ability of the main character. I worried about the heroes, leafing through page after page to find out what happened next. The tension didn't leave until the end of the book. Highly recommend to all fans of the genre. I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2019
I love this world building and the writer’s style. Reminds me of Charmaine Harris.
A suspenseful murder mystery with a romance in the plot, you won’t see the ending coming. I wish I thought of this book idea.
Audrey and Kellen are likeable and made a sweet couple. Everybody would be able to relate to Audrey, and Kellen is so charismatic.
A suspenseful murder mystery with a romance in the plot, you won’t see the ending coming. I wish I thought of this book idea.
Audrey and Kellen are likeable and made a sweet couple. Everybody would be able to relate to Audrey, and Kellen is so charismatic.
November 3, 2019
This book had me captivated from the start. I didn't expect the romance in this murder mystery, but all in all it was a good read.
June 16, 2019
After a near-deadly bout of bacterial meningitis when she was fourteen years old, Audrey Eames has been able to 'see' assorted life events from the six past lifetimes - as stored in the soul - of those people she touches skin to skin. She doesn't get everything, just tidbits depending on the length of the contact, but the most traumatic or ecstatic events generally cross first, giving her an instant impression she can count on as accurate. Usually.
Past Presence is a very intriguing book, set in the small coastal Oregon town of Soberly in the present time, and peopled with well-rounded folks and some not so, but all quite interesting. Like most very small towns, rumor makes its way around the block at rocket speed and everything said is taken for the gospel truth. Audrey has inherited the local hotel, The Soberly Inn and Public House with ten rooms and a pub, from her Aunt Roz. Audrey remembers Aunt Roz fondly but hasn't seen her since she was 12 years old. Now thirty, she isn't sure she should be the one inheriting this business. Audrey has a well-established business of her own, a national concern specializing in American history as it pertains to modern times. She loves the constant challenges and frequent travel. And she knows nothing about the hotel business. Roz's wife Cora, who had a hand in the business from the beginning, should be the new owner despite the will. Audrey becomes even more sure that the Inn is not for her as local people begin to die... In the same way that Audrey has seen them die in previous lifetimes. That is something that has never happened before.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel on February 22, 2o19 from Netgalley, Nicole Bross, and Literary Wanderlust. I have voluntarily read this novel, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
pub date April 1, 2019
Literary Wanderlust
Reviewed 4/5/19 on Goodreads, Netgalley, Amazon and B&N
Past Presence is a very intriguing book, set in the small coastal Oregon town of Soberly in the present time, and peopled with well-rounded folks and some not so, but all quite interesting. Like most very small towns, rumor makes its way around the block at rocket speed and everything said is taken for the gospel truth. Audrey has inherited the local hotel, The Soberly Inn and Public House with ten rooms and a pub, from her Aunt Roz. Audrey remembers Aunt Roz fondly but hasn't seen her since she was 12 years old. Now thirty, she isn't sure she should be the one inheriting this business. Audrey has a well-established business of her own, a national concern specializing in American history as it pertains to modern times. She loves the constant challenges and frequent travel. And she knows nothing about the hotel business. Roz's wife Cora, who had a hand in the business from the beginning, should be the new owner despite the will. Audrey becomes even more sure that the Inn is not for her as local people begin to die... In the same way that Audrey has seen them die in previous lifetimes. That is something that has never happened before.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel on February 22, 2o19 from Netgalley, Nicole Bross, and Literary Wanderlust. I have voluntarily read this novel, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
pub date April 1, 2019
Literary Wanderlust
Reviewed 4/5/19 on Goodreads, Netgalley, Amazon and B&N
March 16, 2019
If you saw glimpses of another person’s past lives every time you made skin to skin contact, could you ever have a normal relationship?
Audrey Eames, debut author Nicole Bross’s reluctant hero, doesn’t talk to her parents, nor have any close friends, working instead as a solitary consulting historian. When the death of her Aunt Roz, the only relative she every truly loved, takes her to the quaint sea-side town of Soberly, Oregon, she learns not only that Roz’s absence has left a huge hole in the small town’s social circle, but that she’s inherited a bed and breakfast and a collection of lovable misfits that depend on the inn’s success. Despite her efforts to transfer ownership to her aunt’s less-than-cordial widow Cora, Audrey finds herself falling in love with the town, and possibly Kellen, the perfect bartender. Then someone dies, then someone else, and it becomes clear that someone in this idyllic village does not want Audrey, nor her abilities, to look into the past or present. Author Bross rolls out multiple timelines, from Audrey’s very modern life to a tiny Russian mountain village, with evocative prose, a skilled lens, and a fair amount of bedroom-based heat, that asks the deeper questions about why people are drawn to the same souls, no matter the era, and if the sins of our pasts can ever be redeemed. A thrilling read combining historical fiction, paranormal suspense, and good old fashioned mystery, I can’t wait to see what’s next for both author Nicole Bross and her fearless hero, Audrey Eames.
Audrey Eames, debut author Nicole Bross’s reluctant hero, doesn’t talk to her parents, nor have any close friends, working instead as a solitary consulting historian. When the death of her Aunt Roz, the only relative she every truly loved, takes her to the quaint sea-side town of Soberly, Oregon, she learns not only that Roz’s absence has left a huge hole in the small town’s social circle, but that she’s inherited a bed and breakfast and a collection of lovable misfits that depend on the inn’s success. Despite her efforts to transfer ownership to her aunt’s less-than-cordial widow Cora, Audrey finds herself falling in love with the town, and possibly Kellen, the perfect bartender. Then someone dies, then someone else, and it becomes clear that someone in this idyllic village does not want Audrey, nor her abilities, to look into the past or present. Author Bross rolls out multiple timelines, from Audrey’s very modern life to a tiny Russian mountain village, with evocative prose, a skilled lens, and a fair amount of bedroom-based heat, that asks the deeper questions about why people are drawn to the same souls, no matter the era, and if the sins of our pasts can ever be redeemed. A thrilling read combining historical fiction, paranormal suspense, and good old fashioned mystery, I can’t wait to see what’s next for both author Nicole Bross and her fearless hero, Audrey Eames.
February 20, 2019
I ARC received via NetGalley and in exchange for an honest review.
Audrey Eames like living a wandering life. When she was a teen she was sick an experienced a near death that somehow gave her the gift to see past lives whenever she touches someone.
When her Aunt Roslyn dies she learns her aunt left her business a historic Soberly Inn and Public House on the scenic Oregon coast. When she arrive she want to sell the inn to her aunt wife Cora who seems a bit standoffish because she doesn't want anyone in town to know about her gift.
When she meets bartender Kellen and other resident she start to feel maybe her Aunt was right she can make a home there as she grow closer to Kellen which in my opinion I wish they stay friends instead being romantic even though it didn't overpower the story I could done without it then people in town starts to died the same way their past lives did but this time it murder instead of accident and Audrey is determined to find the killer before someone else dies as she try keep her gift a secret.
This was a good read I always wonder did we really have past lives do reincarnation really is a thing and do we repeat what our past lives did or did we learn from it. Can't wait to read from this author again.
Audrey Eames like living a wandering life. When she was a teen she was sick an experienced a near death that somehow gave her the gift to see past lives whenever she touches someone.
When her Aunt Roslyn dies she learns her aunt left her business a historic Soberly Inn and Public House on the scenic Oregon coast. When she arrive she want to sell the inn to her aunt wife Cora who seems a bit standoffish because she doesn't want anyone in town to know about her gift.
When she meets bartender Kellen and other resident she start to feel maybe her Aunt was right she can make a home there as she grow closer to Kellen which in my opinion I wish they stay friends instead being romantic even though it didn't overpower the story I could done without it then people in town starts to died the same way their past lives did but this time it murder instead of accident and Audrey is determined to find the killer before someone else dies as she try keep her gift a secret.
This was a good read I always wonder did we really have past lives do reincarnation really is a thing and do we repeat what our past lives did or did we learn from it. Can't wait to read from this author again.
March 2, 2019
When Audrey comes to town after her aunt’s death, she never expects to fall in love, agree to keep her aunt’s inn up and running, and be under suspicion of murder. And that’s all in the first month. Audrey, who grew up with a fundamentalist pastor father, nearly died as a teen. As a result, when she touches people she can glimpse into their past lives. This was a paranormal thriller, with some romance. I would like to have known more about the past lives. Maybe a sequel? I appreciate the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my unbiased review.
March 9, 2019
Past Presence reeled me in right away. Not only is the plot intriguing and full of twists and turns, but the characters are also complex and their emotions are believable. The attention to detail, especially in terms of the visions, is something I appreciate very much. I look forward to more from this author!
April 23, 2019
I couldn't put it down. Bross' first book is delightfully written with suspense and romance (I enjoyed when she apologizes to her parents for the romance in the dedication). A great book for a holiday or pure enjoyment. I look forward to reading Bross' next book.
November 13, 2025
Such an original idea that, unfortunately, turned super cheesy by the end.
December 29, 2019
Absolutely loved this book! Well crafted characters, a sense of place and a great plot, I didn't guess the culprit!
Woven with regression tales, which is an interest of mine it has wonderful elements in the story to propel you onward.
Can't wait for the next book, Nicole.
Woven with regression tales, which is an interest of mine it has wonderful elements in the story to propel you onward.
Can't wait for the next book, Nicole.
June 5, 2019
When Audrey Eames inherits the Soberly Inn and Public House from an aunt Roz she hasn’t seen since she was twelve, Audrey goes to Soberly, Oregon to sell the inn. She loves her job as a consulting historian, which involves constant travel. After meeting the friendly locals, especially bartender Kellen Greene, Audrey considers staying in Soberly and taking over the business
Audrey has a secret: when a child she had bacterial meningitis, nearly died, and awakened with the gift of being able to see a person’s past lives by touching them. When people start dying in the same way they died in a previous life, Audrey can’t decide if the deaths are coincidence, if someone has the same ability as she does and is using to nefarious ends, or if Audrey herself is the murderer. She decides to use her ability to pursue the leads her visions provide, even if it means putting herself and her new friends in danger.
I was was intrigued by the idea of reincarnation and the concept that our past lives can influence who we become and that we remain connected to people we’ve known over our different lifetimes. Past Present weaves between the present and the past, with Audrey’s visions in italics. I did feel the pregnancy and abortion was gratuitous. Perhaps this would feel more intrinsic to the novel if Audry had used that opportunity to muse on who the baby might have been reincarnated as. This is a genre-breaking mix of historical, contemporary, mystery, paranormal, and romance.
Audrey has a secret: when a child she had bacterial meningitis, nearly died, and awakened with the gift of being able to see a person’s past lives by touching them. When people start dying in the same way they died in a previous life, Audrey can’t decide if the deaths are coincidence, if someone has the same ability as she does and is using to nefarious ends, or if Audrey herself is the murderer. She decides to use her ability to pursue the leads her visions provide, even if it means putting herself and her new friends in danger.
I was was intrigued by the idea of reincarnation and the concept that our past lives can influence who we become and that we remain connected to people we’ve known over our different lifetimes. Past Present weaves between the present and the past, with Audrey’s visions in italics. I did feel the pregnancy and abortion was gratuitous. Perhaps this would feel more intrinsic to the novel if Audry had used that opportunity to muse on who the baby might have been reincarnated as. This is a genre-breaking mix of historical, contemporary, mystery, paranormal, and romance.
June 8, 2019
Audrey Eames is happy living the wanderer's life. After a near-death experience in her teens, Audrey can see people's past lives whenever her skin touches theirs, and afraid of being labeled delusional, she's never stayed in one place too long or made any deep connections. But that changes when she inherits the Soberly Inn and Public House on the coast of Oregon from her aunt Roz. There she meets Kellen Greene, a young black man with a million dollar smile. At first her plan is to sell the inn to her aunt's girlfriend and get out of Soberly, but that changes. What also changes is that since she arrived in the small town several people end up dead. She touched those people and saw their deaths in a past.
I loved the book, I loved Audrey, I loved Kellen and I loved their relationship. Soberly is a pretty liberal community, they don't mind two women who have a relationship, they don't mind black people.
I had to get used to the glimps of the past which don't appear in chronological order and are different. At one side you have the past in a probably Russian community, other past stories are situated in America. And the end is surprising, I didn't see it coming. Very nice debut for Nicole Bross.
I loved the book, I loved Audrey, I loved Kellen and I loved their relationship. Soberly is a pretty liberal community, they don't mind two women who have a relationship, they don't mind black people.
I had to get used to the glimps of the past which don't appear in chronological order and are different. At one side you have the past in a probably Russian community, other past stories are situated in America. And the end is surprising, I didn't see it coming. Very nice debut for Nicole Bross.
June 5, 2019
I really loved this book. I picked it up and read the first chapter a month ago, and quickly realized I wanted to find time to read it all in one go instead of a few pages here and there. Last weekend I dove in, and I was not disappointed. I was hooked immediately. The characters were absolutely alive for me, and I didn’t guess any of the twists and turns. I really enjoyed how REAL the characters were, there was an element of everyday-ism that is missing in so many novels and often keeps me removed from investing in the characters.
Can’t wait to read her next novel.
Can’t wait to read her next novel.
May 2, 2019
I love a good mystery and Past Presence definitely fit the bill. The suspense held me right to the end...the character development was superb! I enjoyed the insert of historical events, as well as the diversity of relationships explored. I hope to read more from Nicole Bross in the future. Her writing style captivated me from the start. In future novels, it would be neat to have Audrey further develop her plans to make a tourist attraction in Soberly. Or perhaps a future story could highlight the connection between the Portland, Oregon rumrunners to the opium shipments of Victoria or Vancouver during the 1890s. Wherever the storyline takes us, I am certain that Nicole will deliver. I highly recommend this book.
April 5, 2019
This is a new author for me and I was looking for something different to read. I read the blurb and it was intriguing so I gave this book a read. I was not disappointed in the least, in fact I am so happy I chose this book. This book has everything you need to keep you turning each page to the end. I thought the story was entertaining but not over the top and was kept realistic in nature. There was a great mix of romance and mystery which I enjoyed as well. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something a little different and a really good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2019
This is a new author for me and I found Past Presence an enjoyable and at times emotional read. There were good characters, twists and turns, suspense, mystery, grief, death, hope, faith, love, romance, chemistry and a few surprises along the way. I would have prefered it to be a little bit longer as I had a few questions I thought might be answered if we could see what happened after for Audrey, who I really liked as a character, maybe an epilogue a year later?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2019
This is a well written book with strong characters and a unique story line. The author does a great job building the story and pulling you in with the interesting mystery as well as the romance. I loved how she mixes past and present with all the different time lines. The story feels very realistic,moves quickly and smoothly and I enjoyed reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
April 9, 2019
This is a new Author to me a well written story that held my interest throughout. Audrey Eames can tell how you died in your past lifes now someone is committing murder because of what she knows. Bartender, Kellen Greene is a man that she is starting to have feelings for. The story has suspense, drama, danger, murders, a really sick villain, shooting, and romance. I enjoyed reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2019
I can’t believe this was the author’s first novel. I carved out some time to read it, and I’m so glad carved enough of it! I couldn’t put it down and read it (almost) straight through. When I finished I was actually sad that I didn’t have more to read.
Such a great story, unique, interesting and entertaining.
Can’t wait for Nicole Bross to publish another! I need an entire ollection for those “curl up with a good book” days.
Such a great story, unique, interesting and entertaining.
Can’t wait for Nicole Bross to publish another! I need an entire ollection for those “curl up with a good book” days.
April 7, 2019
Audrey inherits her aunts in, but she doesn't want to be tied down to it. She has a unique gift in that when a person touches her, she can see their past life. I thought this was very interesting and I liked how their past lives affected their present ones. It was an entertaining story and I would recommend it.
April 15, 2019
Loved the storytelling of this book. An interesting mix of a small seaside town mystery combined with the paranormal i.e. Audrey’s ability to read past lives from touching individuals, plus a warm sexy romance. The writing and characterisation flow and I galloped through the story at a rate of knots. Very accomplished debut.
March 31, 2019
The book is a good mysteries read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good. The story is an enjoyable read that is full of twists, and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2020
Description
Only by looking into the past can Audrey save her future.
Audrey Eames is happy living the wanderer's life. After a near-death experience in her teens, Audrey can see people's past lives whenever her skin touches theirs, and afraid of being labeled delusional, she's never stayed in one place too long or made any deep connections.
So, when Audrey's estranged aunt dies and leaves her the historic Soberly Inn and Public House on the scenic Oregon coast, Audrey wants nothing to do with it. She is determined to sell the inn and leave town before someone discovers the power she's been hiding from the world, but clauses in her aunt's will seem to block her at every turn.
Yet once ensconced in Soberly's small town life, the people--particularly the bartender, Kellen Greene--start to grow on her, and she begins to feel that maybe she's finally found a place of her own. As accepting as the townspeople seem, Audrey fears their reactions--and Kellen's rejection--and decides to keep her visions a secret. But all is not well in Soberly. Soon after Audrey arrives, people in town start dying in the same manner as in their past lives--but in this lifetime it's murder. When suspicion starts to fall on Audrey and her new beau Kellen, Audrey vows to use her gift to find the murderer and protect the people she loves--before it's too late.
MY REVIEW:
This book was very intriguing as the description captivated me. Past Presence starts off with Audrey having a vision after touching the driver of the bus she is riding in.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were well-crafted. This book was provided in exchange for my honest opinion and I truly enjoyed reading it and recommend it.
Only by looking into the past can Audrey save her future.
Audrey Eames is happy living the wanderer's life. After a near-death experience in her teens, Audrey can see people's past lives whenever her skin touches theirs, and afraid of being labeled delusional, she's never stayed in one place too long or made any deep connections.
So, when Audrey's estranged aunt dies and leaves her the historic Soberly Inn and Public House on the scenic Oregon coast, Audrey wants nothing to do with it. She is determined to sell the inn and leave town before someone discovers the power she's been hiding from the world, but clauses in her aunt's will seem to block her at every turn.
Yet once ensconced in Soberly's small town life, the people--particularly the bartender, Kellen Greene--start to grow on her, and she begins to feel that maybe she's finally found a place of her own. As accepting as the townspeople seem, Audrey fears their reactions--and Kellen's rejection--and decides to keep her visions a secret. But all is not well in Soberly. Soon after Audrey arrives, people in town start dying in the same manner as in their past lives--but in this lifetime it's murder. When suspicion starts to fall on Audrey and her new beau Kellen, Audrey vows to use her gift to find the murderer and protect the people she loves--before it's too late.
MY REVIEW:
This book was very intriguing as the description captivated me. Past Presence starts off with Audrey having a vision after touching the driver of the bus she is riding in.
Overall I enjoyed the storyline and the characters were well-crafted. This book was provided in exchange for my honest opinion and I truly enjoyed reading it and recommend it.
March 13, 2020
I would like to thank Literary Wanderlust and the Netgalley website for this partnership.
I was immediately attracted by the cover of this book, which I find beautiful. You can see the pretty Audrey looking in the reader's direction when you look at the cover.
You learn that Audrey will only be able to focus on her future by going back to the past.
She is happy to live her life as a wanderer. Following a near-death experience that happens to a teenager when she touches someone she can see her past life. To protect herself, she never stays in one place for long periods of time. Except that she will learn of her aunt's death and she wants nothing more to do with her. She wants to sell her aunt's inn at any price to avoid showing her hidden talents. But the will seems to block her.
But once settled in Soberly, the bartender Kelley Greene likes her very much and Audrey feels good there. But she wants to keep her secret deep inside. Until the day the people of Sobelry die as they did in their previous lives. Except in this life it's murder. Audrey and Kellen are under suspicion. She's gonna have to use her gift to find out who's behind this and protect those around her.
A book read in one sitting, so I've hung on to the story, so captivating, moving, addictive, full of suspense and twists and turns. Can't wait to read more books by this author who has an addictive feather in her cap.
I was immediately attracted by the cover of this book, which I find beautiful. You can see the pretty Audrey looking in the reader's direction when you look at the cover.
You learn that Audrey will only be able to focus on her future by going back to the past.
She is happy to live her life as a wanderer. Following a near-death experience that happens to a teenager when she touches someone she can see her past life. To protect herself, she never stays in one place for long periods of time. Except that she will learn of her aunt's death and she wants nothing more to do with her. She wants to sell her aunt's inn at any price to avoid showing her hidden talents. But the will seems to block her.
But once settled in Soberly, the bartender Kelley Greene likes her very much and Audrey feels good there. But she wants to keep her secret deep inside. Until the day the people of Sobelry die as they did in their previous lives. Except in this life it's murder. Audrey and Kellen are under suspicion. She's gonna have to use her gift to find out who's behind this and protect those around her.
A book read in one sitting, so I've hung on to the story, so captivating, moving, addictive, full of suspense and twists and turns. Can't wait to read more books by this author who has an addictive feather in her cap.
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