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Lost Souls #2
Beautiful Beginnings: A Vienna Rossi Paranormal Mystery
Vienna Rossi is going to the Marine Corps Ball. The bad news is she will be on a blind date. The good news is the ball is being held in Las Vegas. Everything was going smoothly until Jack, her handsome spirit guide, suddenly shows up. The last time she’d seen Jack; her life had been in jeopardy. Vienna hopes that her date isn’t a psycho serial killer like her previous one. Or was this time different? Could Jack be jealous?Suddenly strange things begin to happen; reoccurring nightmares, objects moving on their own, a marked page in a magazine that leads Vienna to the Titanic exhibit. Could a ghost be trying to reach her? Join Vienna, Kim, and Jack, as they team up for a heartwarming paranormal adventure that opens the door to a life full of beautiful beginnings.
178 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2012
About the author
Michelle Ann Hollstein
47 books24 followersMichelle Ann Hollstein resides in Southern California with her two wonderful children and her spoiled pup, Dougal. She’s the author of the quirky and comical Aggie Underhill Mysteries, the Fantasy Trilogy, The Niberia Chronicles, the paranormal romance mystery series, A Lost Souls Novel, and the new nonfiction series, Who Says You Can’t Paint?
You can visit her website at http://www.MichelleHollstein.com to learn more about her books and to view book trailers.
You can visit her website at http://www.MichelleHollstein.com to learn more about her books and to view book trailers.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 24, 2021
Title: Beautiful Beginnings
Author: Michelle Ann Hollstein
Format: Audio
Narrator: Karen Bachman
Genre: Suspense, Paranormal (Ghosts), Murder Mystery
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Book 2 in A Lost Souls
POV: Vienna, Jack and Kim
Steam Level: None
3.5/5
I like the story but I'm not too fond of the characters. Being that this is the second book in this series (the main characters are the same, the stories are different) I would like that Vienna would be a bit more accepting of her ability to see ghosts. Instead she's just as neurotic or even more so. She's always worrying about what others will think about her. Which, granted, is a valid worry but also a bit annoying if you're reading a paranormal mystery where the main character is supposed to help ghosts find peace and move on. I understand that Kim is supposed to be more open-minded and there to challenge Vienna and push her toward accepting her abilities but she just comes across as pushy and a bit bratty. Their friendship dynamic seems to be that Kim pushes Vienna until Vienna caves and leaves her comfort zone. It bugged me that it took until three quarters (or more) into the second book of a three-book series for Vienna to be comfortable with herself.
The narration was okay - not great, not terrible. Better than the first book where most of the women sounded like the stereotypical dumb blonde valley girl. I'm glad the narrator tones that down quite a bit.
I liked the story itself, especially a scene at the Marine Corps Ball (You'll know it when you read it). I liked the mystery of the ghost and how that played out. I'm interested to see where this series goes or if it's more of the same.
Author: Michelle Ann Hollstein
Format: Audio
Narrator: Karen Bachman
Genre: Suspense, Paranormal (Ghosts), Murder Mystery
Standalone: Yes
Part of a Series: Book 2 in A Lost Souls
POV: Vienna, Jack and Kim
Steam Level: None
3.5/5
I like the story but I'm not too fond of the characters. Being that this is the second book in this series (the main characters are the same, the stories are different) I would like that Vienna would be a bit more accepting of her ability to see ghosts. Instead she's just as neurotic or even more so. She's always worrying about what others will think about her. Which, granted, is a valid worry but also a bit annoying if you're reading a paranormal mystery where the main character is supposed to help ghosts find peace and move on. I understand that Kim is supposed to be more open-minded and there to challenge Vienna and push her toward accepting her abilities but she just comes across as pushy and a bit bratty. Their friendship dynamic seems to be that Kim pushes Vienna until Vienna caves and leaves her comfort zone. It bugged me that it took until three quarters (or more) into the second book of a three-book series for Vienna to be comfortable with herself.
The narration was okay - not great, not terrible. Better than the first book where most of the women sounded like the stereotypical dumb blonde valley girl. I'm glad the narrator tones that down quite a bit.
I liked the story itself, especially a scene at the Marine Corps Ball (You'll know it when you read it). I liked the mystery of the ghost and how that played out. I'm interested to see where this series goes or if it's more of the same.
June 25, 2018
A blind date and the Titanic lead to her passing on messages.
A good read. Not outstanding and not really a mystery per se but a warm hearted read about how earthbound spirits might need a litter help in getting peace. She really doesn't do blind dates but her friend is super persistent and she agrees to go to a blind date at the Marine Ball. Her psychic powers kick in and suddenly she is not only passing a message to her date but also looking for a family member of the Titanic. Can she give the ghost peace and show him that a part of him survived? A great gentle read and the two female characters are great counterfoils for each other. She is introverted and a sceptic whilst her friend is a zany extrovert who jumps in with both feet into any adventure. Not really a mystery but a good read nevertheless.
A good read. Not outstanding and not really a mystery per se but a warm hearted read about how earthbound spirits might need a litter help in getting peace. She really doesn't do blind dates but her friend is super persistent and she agrees to go to a blind date at the Marine Ball. Her psychic powers kick in and suddenly she is not only passing a message to her date but also looking for a family member of the Titanic. Can she give the ghost peace and show him that a part of him survived? A great gentle read and the two female characters are great counterfoils for each other. She is introverted and a sceptic whilst her friend is a zany extrovert who jumps in with both feet into any adventure. Not really a mystery but a good read nevertheless.
May 21, 2024
Beautiful Beginnings. Enough said.
This may be book 2 in this series, but it was my first encounter with the talented Vienna Rossi. Firstly let me say that one doesn’t have to believe, for this to be a truly wonderful read. Vienna is a “sensitive” to those who have passed, seeing them and feeling what they felt at the moment of their passing. It is now clear to Vienna, that this is her calling, to help these lost ones finally cross over to be with those that they left behind. It was an emotional read, for me anyhow, having lost a grandfather and father, and missing them both terribly. And that’s what makes this an amazing read, being able to tap into a readers emotions.
But at the same time, it was also a fun quick read, not too serious or spooky.
A wonderful five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read that makes one look forward to the next thrilling encounter.
This may be book 2 in this series, but it was my first encounter with the talented Vienna Rossi. Firstly let me say that one doesn’t have to believe, for this to be a truly wonderful read. Vienna is a “sensitive” to those who have passed, seeing them and feeling what they felt at the moment of their passing. It is now clear to Vienna, that this is her calling, to help these lost ones finally cross over to be with those that they left behind. It was an emotional read, for me anyhow, having lost a grandfather and father, and missing them both terribly. And that’s what makes this an amazing read, being able to tap into a readers emotions.
But at the same time, it was also a fun quick read, not too serious or spooky.
A wonderful five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read that makes one look forward to the next thrilling encounter.
January 29, 2021
Beautiful Beginnings: A Vienna Rossi Paranormal Mystery was a good read by Michelle Ann Hollstein. Vienna got an invitation to the Marine Corps Ball, but unfortunately it was a blind date. But it's in Las Vegas which is a definite plus. It was going good until her spirit guide Jack suddenly showed up. She starts having reoccurring nightmares, objects moved on their own, and a marked page in a magazine. That marked page lead her to the Titanic exhibit. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
October 12, 2018
Very cute story!
Fast fun read that leaves you with a happy heart. Good history in this one as well. I look forward to others in this series!
Fast fun read that leaves you with a happy heart. Good history in this one as well. I look forward to others in this series!
October 8, 2022
Truly a beautiful beginning
Vienna grows with her abilities and charts her life's course helping people to cross over, and fulfilling their final needs
Vienna grows with her abilities and charts her life's course helping people to cross over, and fulfilling their final needs
March 10, 2024
Onions, but in a good way.
Good, tight, writing. Love the characters, and the stories. Will be reading the whole set! Bravo Miz Hollstein! Keep writing!
Good, tight, writing. Love the characters, and the stories. Will be reading the whole set! Bravo Miz Hollstein! Keep writing!
January 29, 2021
Beautiful Beginnings: A Vienna Rossi Paranormal Mystery was a good read by Michelle Ann Hollstein. Vienna got an invitation to the Marine Corps Ball, but unfortunately it was a blind date. But it's in Las Vegas which is a definite plus. It was going good until her spirit guide Jack suddenly showed up. She starts having reoccurring nightmares, objects moved on their own, and a marked page in a magazine. That marked page lead her to the Titanic exhibit. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
September 4, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It kept a quick pace, in there is not lagging spots, and had plenty of action. I really like that it doesn't focus on blood and guts but events that leave a lost soul behind and their feelings surrounding their loved ones involved in the events.
Karen Bachman does a great job with narration. She has a soft mesmerizing and soothing voice.
I highly recommend! Even great for YA!
Karen Bachman does a great job with narration. She has a soft mesmerizing and soothing voice.
I highly recommend! Even great for YA!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews