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The Seven #5
1975
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07P6N53XC
1975. New Orleans. The Deschanel siblings are far from children now, some having kids of their own, others settling into the possibility, as they make choices that will shape their futures forever.
Charles, the playboy, finds new meaning as a father, and swears off his old life, littered with indiscretions. Augustus, the fixer, sees his marriage further dissolve just as he learns his wife is pregnant. Colleen, the adherent, is head over heels in love in Scotland, but worries their relationship won’t hold up once he learns her dark secret. Evangeline, the genius, escapes to New England, letting her education be the balm of choice for her broken spirit. Maureen, the haunted, discovers her true purpose as a mother, but fears her arranged marriage will create the instability that drives her daughter down a path too similar to hers.
Elizabeth, the anguished, recovers from the damage wrought by her past choices, and finds penance in helping Augustus with his own struggles. But, for the first time, she will have to do it without her lifeline, Connor, who has been sent away by his parents.
As the family progresses through the seventies, they’ll discover the power of secrets, lies, and a fate they cannot escape, no matter how wealthy or powerful they are.
1975. New Orleans. The Deschanel siblings are far from children now, some having kids of their own, others settling into the possibility, as they make choices that will shape their futures forever.
Charles, the playboy, finds new meaning as a father, and swears off his old life, littered with indiscretions. Augustus, the fixer, sees his marriage further dissolve just as he learns his wife is pregnant. Colleen, the adherent, is head over heels in love in Scotland, but worries their relationship won’t hold up once he learns her dark secret. Evangeline, the genius, escapes to New England, letting her education be the balm of choice for her broken spirit. Maureen, the haunted, discovers her true purpose as a mother, but fears her arranged marriage will create the instability that drives her daughter down a path too similar to hers.
Elizabeth, the anguished, recovers from the damage wrought by her past choices, and finds penance in helping Augustus with his own struggles. But, for the first time, she will have to do it without her lifeline, Connor, who has been sent away by his parents.
As the family progresses through the seventies, they’ll discover the power of secrets, lies, and a fate they cannot escape, no matter how wealthy or powerful they are.
ebook
First published May 27, 2019
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About the author
Sarah M. Cradit
99 books899 followersSarah is the USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over forty contemporary and epic fantasy stories, and the creator of the Kingdom of the White Sea and Saga of Crimson & Clover universes.
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
Born a geek, Sarah spends her time crafting rich and multilayered worlds, obsessing over history, playing her retribution paladin (and sometimes destruction warlock), and settling provocative Tolkien debates, such as why the Great Eagles are not Gandalf's personal taxi service. Passionate about travel, she's been to over twenty countries collecting sparks of inspiration, and is always planning her next adventure.
Sarah and her husband live in a beautiful corner of SE Pennsylvania with their three tiny benevolent pug dictators.
Connect with Sarah:
sarahmcradit.com
Instagram: @sarahmcradit
Facebook: @sarahmcradit
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 6, 2019
In 1975: The Seven, some loves are lost and some are rekindled, there are births, deaths, and the righting of paths…at least for the time being.
The story of the Deschanels in the 1970s is coming together. For fans of the House of Crimson and Clover saga, the future has become clearer with fantastic backstory explanations. For new readers, this 1970s series is a great place to start. With each installment Ms. Cradit gives readers the drama they crave, the answers they need, and she even includes some happy-for-nows.
In 1975 readers see the passive-aggressive behavior of the possessed or mental ill Ekatherina. Being highly sensitive, Augustus is uxorious in his responses to Ekatherina’s acrimony. When tragedy strikes, can the self-righteous Noah “walk the talk” and accept his lover for who she is? When crass Charles and acidic Cordelia come to loggerheads, he finds an unique if not wholesome solution. Unfortunately, conniving Catherine may throw a wrench in the works, but Charles knows Colin remains clueless to his wife as usual.
“Are we ever ready for any of the shit life throws at us?”
The novella culminates when the family is together again for Christmas at Ophiele—including new additions to the clan and some lost souls.
“The memory of Maddy was dimmest here, for they’d treated Ophélie as a summer home only, until after she died and Mama had the idea that the family estate was where they needed to be to heal. Her ghost was everywhere anyway, no matter where they were on Christmas Eve, because this would always and forever be Maddy’s day. She’d unintentionally sealed her name on all future December 24ths and there was nothing to be done about it.”
This is the best installment to date. It included a strong plot with most of the Deschanel siblings’ stories moving forward. Certainly, as Ms. Cradit gets closer to the end of this series, she is weaving the young sibling’s stories into the already established future of House of Crimson and Clover, and it is a delight to read her tapestry. There were a few crass phrases and sex scenes that I felt were unnecessary and detracted from the story, but overall, the writing quality and world building are excellent. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series, especially Elizabeth and Evangeline’s stories.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
The story of the Deschanels in the 1970s is coming together. For fans of the House of Crimson and Clover saga, the future has become clearer with fantastic backstory explanations. For new readers, this 1970s series is a great place to start. With each installment Ms. Cradit gives readers the drama they crave, the answers they need, and she even includes some happy-for-nows.
In 1975 readers see the passive-aggressive behavior of the possessed or mental ill Ekatherina. Being highly sensitive, Augustus is uxorious in his responses to Ekatherina’s acrimony. When tragedy strikes, can the self-righteous Noah “walk the talk” and accept his lover for who she is? When crass Charles and acidic Cordelia come to loggerheads, he finds an unique if not wholesome solution. Unfortunately, conniving Catherine may throw a wrench in the works, but Charles knows Colin remains clueless to his wife as usual.
“Are we ever ready for any of the shit life throws at us?”
The novella culminates when the family is together again for Christmas at Ophiele—including new additions to the clan and some lost souls.
“The memory of Maddy was dimmest here, for they’d treated Ophélie as a summer home only, until after she died and Mama had the idea that the family estate was where they needed to be to heal. Her ghost was everywhere anyway, no matter where they were on Christmas Eve, because this would always and forever be Maddy’s day. She’d unintentionally sealed her name on all future December 24ths and there was nothing to be done about it.”
This is the best installment to date. It included a strong plot with most of the Deschanel siblings’ stories moving forward. Certainly, as Ms. Cradit gets closer to the end of this series, she is weaving the young sibling’s stories into the already established future of House of Crimson and Clover, and it is a delight to read her tapestry. There were a few crass phrases and sex scenes that I felt were unnecessary and detracted from the story, but overall, the writing quality and world building are excellent. I am really looking forward to the rest of the series, especially Elizabeth and Evangeline’s stories.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. For more reading recommendations, visit Book Junkie Reviews at www.abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
May 20, 2019
In this tale of the events that affected the Deschanel siblings in 1975, they are starting to have families and make very long lasting decisions about their futures. Charles is now a father and has a whole new priority that overrides his reckless behaviour of the past, Augustus has a dissolving marriage at the same time that he discovers he is to become a father, Colleen is in love in Scotland, Evangeline is in New England using education soothe her soul, Maureen is now a mother which has become her true purpose and Elizabeth finds penance for the past by helping Augustus. How will the family navigate through all the secrets, lies and fates that they cannot escape no matter their wealth and power?
There was a lot of emotional torture in this book for the siblings and very little pleasure. A lot of the time this seems to be a reward for past actions and only on rare occasions was it undeserved. It was interesting to see how they reacted to their own scenarios and the effects of their behaviour on the others. I felt desperately sorry for Augustus, Evangeline and Maureen and their situations but not so sad for both Charles and Colleen. Well written and enjoyable to read. This book is a must for anyone who has read the House of Crimson and Clover series of books.
There was a lot of emotional torture in this book for the siblings and very little pleasure. A lot of the time this seems to be a reward for past actions and only on rare occasions was it undeserved. It was interesting to see how they reacted to their own scenarios and the effects of their behaviour on the others. I felt desperately sorry for Augustus, Evangeline and Maureen and their situations but not so sad for both Charles and Colleen. Well written and enjoyable to read. This book is a must for anyone who has read the House of Crimson and Clover series of books.
May 25, 2019
The author at least warns us about just how emotional this red will be but trust me its so much more. This is a yer of different kinds of tragedies for this clan and while the focus is mostly on Colleen, Charles and Augustus don't believe the others are spared. Charles grows into his role as father in a way only Charles can. He still make some questionable but Charles like decision but come on. We accept them all for what they are as we witness Augustus breaking, held together by the love he holds dear for Anna. Colleen has her own war to deal with and her broken heart but while some turns out great the family is dealt many blows. See this side, the people behind the Crimson Series is so much more profound after reading the series. No you do not need to read the series first I personally think you have the advantage of seeing it fresh and going from start to finish. It's an amazing read and for me it's all the more so because I know them, have cried over them, have pulled for them in the midst of their trials. For them this was a year of deep loss the impact which is yet to be felt softened only by the life that flourish in the children that were birthed. A wonderful read and addition to the series.
May 23, 2019
Although this novella features all six siblings, the primary focus is on Charles, Colleen, and Augustus.
Charles in the role of father surprised me. He seems to have found his purpose, and the birth of Nicolas prompts him to make several life changes - some for the better, some questionable. Which isn't unusual for Charles. I laughed out loud at a comment Colin makes to Charles regarding his cursing. 'Nicolas is going to grow up with a filthy sailor's mouth. You know that, don't you?' If you've read the Crimson and Clover series, you know it's an absolutely true statement.
My heart broke for Augustus, and I was happy to learn more about Colleen's relationship with Noah. Elizabeth seems to be turning into her own person, and is in a better place in her life. Evangeline and Maureen don't feature as prominently in this book, but we do get a peek into their lives.
For a couple of reasons I won't state - I don't do spoilers - I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Charles in the role of father surprised me. He seems to have found his purpose, and the birth of Nicolas prompts him to make several life changes - some for the better, some questionable. Which isn't unusual for Charles. I laughed out loud at a comment Colin makes to Charles regarding his cursing. 'Nicolas is going to grow up with a filthy sailor's mouth. You know that, don't you?' If you've read the Crimson and Clover series, you know it's an absolutely true statement.
My heart broke for Augustus, and I was happy to learn more about Colleen's relationship with Noah. Elizabeth seems to be turning into her own person, and is in a better place in her life. Evangeline and Maureen don't feature as prominently in this book, but we do get a peek into their lives.
For a couple of reasons I won't state - I don't do spoilers - I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 27, 2019
Each time I read a book from Sarah Cradit, I'm struck again by the knowing that every work of hers is truly a labor of love. These stories are lovingly crafted and masterfully orchestrated to flow from one character to the next, from one heartache to the next joyful occurrence and then another heartbreak. If you're not dabbing at tears of sadness, you'll be weeping tears of joy.
There's something about Colleen that resonates with me and I believe I felt her pain more acutely than any other's. Her siblings' lives are overwhelmingly tragic, and certainly deserving of empathy, but her heartbreak was the one that broke me, despite knowing from the later/earlier series how things would work out for her.
Near the end, as one emotional event after another cascaded into place, I gave up, simply allowing the tears to stream down my cheeks. I was alone and didn't need to explain my sorrow to anyone else. But I am warning future readers. It's not an ugly-cry book, but tissues are definitely recommended.
There's something about Colleen that resonates with me and I believe I felt her pain more acutely than any other's. Her siblings' lives are overwhelmingly tragic, and certainly deserving of empathy, but her heartbreak was the one that broke me, despite knowing from the later/earlier series how things would work out for her.
Near the end, as one emotional event after another cascaded into place, I gave up, simply allowing the tears to stream down my cheeks. I was alone and didn't need to explain my sorrow to anyone else. But I am warning future readers. It's not an ugly-cry book, but tissues are definitely recommended.
May 27, 2019
If you've followed the Deschanel family through all the Crimson & Clover books then you know about the seven children of Charles Sr and Irish Colleen. This series follows them as the start to mature into the people they will someday become. Watch as they grow into their powers and try to learn to control them along with learning what being a Deschanel means. There's love, births and deaths as they tread the world their father brought them into. This is definitely a must read series if you love the family as much as I do, you'll finally understand why everyone looks to Colleen for guidance and why Nicolas and his antics are so tolerated. You'll realize why they're all the people they are today by learning who they were then
April 18, 2023
Book 5 in The Seven series
Witches and Warlocks make up an entire family that's in a constant state of crisis/survival mode. This dark fantasy is filled with conflict, growing pains, loss, sorrow, abuse, alcoholism, strong language, and spice. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading. The book is built in a detailed world with strong characters who grow/change throughout.
Life and Death. Loss and Acceptance.
"And in this, I find my strength, wherein my strength had prior been ripped from me with utmost cruelty. I am born anew."
"In the end is our beginning."
"Scars and all.
"The world is changing."
Witches and Warlocks make up an entire family that's in a constant state of crisis/survival mode. This dark fantasy is filled with conflict, growing pains, loss, sorrow, abuse, alcoholism, strong language, and spice. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading. The book is built in a detailed world with strong characters who grow/change throughout.
Life and Death. Loss and Acceptance.
"And in this, I find my strength, wherein my strength had prior been ripped from me with utmost cruelty. I am born anew."
"In the end is our beginning."
"Scars and all.
"The world is changing."
May 28, 2019
This is such a good series and gives us the back story on the Deschanels - in 1975 the story continues. While it seems to cover most of the siblings, I especially enjoyed the bits on Colleen. I admire her so much and this highlights her relationship with Noah - I was fascinated. But the others are given their own time in 1975 as well. Not a book to miss but you should begin at he beginning of this series. Actually you should read all of Cradit’s books - this is an interesting family.
May 26, 2019
This was a great one. I enjoyed seeing the siblings finding happiness even through the tragedies. Without giving it all away this was a great read and hard to put down. Cannot wait to see what happens next.
May 31, 2019
It’s so amazing how this series just gets better and better. The characters have become like family to me and I really enjoy learning more about their history. All the books are great and “1975” is no exception. Fast paced intriguing read. Patiently waiting on the next installment!!!
April 15, 2022
Riveting
This chapter of the Deschanel Family was absolutely riveting! Had so much joy and sorrow packed into the story. I couldn’t put the book down!
This chapter of the Deschanel Family was absolutely riveting! Had so much joy and sorrow packed into the story. I couldn’t put the book down!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews