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Haunting Clarisse #1
The Girl in the Scarlet Chair
When a malicious chair's only desire is to prosper from the negative thoughts of doomed relationships—will Clarisse be willing to trade her mind for a premonition of love?
They don't have the safety of distance to rely upon—only five days to decide if they are made for each other before Harry leaves back home—or will the mysterious scarlet chair decide their fate?
She was unlucky in love, recently separated and desperately searching for the man of her dreams. For Clarisse, life became so lonely that she fell in love with his picture. For Harry, recently divorced— it carried risk and uncertainty?
In this heart-rending search for passion, he travels to the city of our affection (Manila) to meet Clarisse—a woman of immense beauty and problematic past. In this journey of new adult love, Harry leaves his western-centric norms behind. He is immersed in the city of affection—vibrant, alive, bustling and enjoying the pleasure of being.
But will Clarisse have the courage to tell him everything—past secrets, fears, and inhibition?
They don't have the safety of distance to rely upon—only five days to decide if they are made for each other before Harry leaves back home—or will the mysterious scarlet chair decide their fate?
She was unlucky in love, recently separated and desperately searching for the man of her dreams. For Clarisse, life became so lonely that she fell in love with his picture. For Harry, recently divorced— it carried risk and uncertainty?
In this heart-rending search for passion, he travels to the city of our affection (Manila) to meet Clarisse—a woman of immense beauty and problematic past. In this journey of new adult love, Harry leaves his western-centric norms behind. He is immersed in the city of affection—vibrant, alive, bustling and enjoying the pleasure of being.
But will Clarisse have the courage to tell him everything—past secrets, fears, and inhibition?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2019
98 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
About the author
Janice Tremayne
19 books245 followersJanice Tremayne is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning independent supernatural horror writer. Janice is a finalist in the Readers' Favorite 2020 International Book Awards in fiction-supernatural and was awarded the distinguished favorite prize for paranormal horror at the New York City Big Book Awards. She recently was awarded the silver medal at the IPPY Awards 2021 Australia/New Zealand/Pacific Rim – Best Regional Fiction. In 2023 she was awarded the Literary Titan Gold Book Award as a mark of distinction, recognizing excellence in writing that is both innovative and impactful.
She is an Australian author who lives with her family in Melbourne. Her publication, Haunting in Hartley, reached number one in the Amazon Kindle ranking for Occult Supernatural, Ghosts, and Haunted Houses categories hot new releases/bestsellers.
Janice is well-versed in her cultural superstitions and how they influence daily life and customs. She has developed a passion and style for writing supernatural horror novels for adult readers.
Writing the Haunting Clarisse series was spawned over a cup of coffee many years ago, and she has never looked back since. Her books contain heart-thumping, bone-chilling, and thought-provoking paranormal experiences that deliver a new twist to every tale.
Find out more about Janice at www.janicetremayne.com.
She is an Australian author who lives with her family in Melbourne. Her publication, Haunting in Hartley, reached number one in the Amazon Kindle ranking for Occult Supernatural, Ghosts, and Haunted Houses categories hot new releases/bestsellers.
Janice is well-versed in her cultural superstitions and how they influence daily life and customs. She has developed a passion and style for writing supernatural horror novels for adult readers.
Writing the Haunting Clarisse series was spawned over a cup of coffee many years ago, and she has never looked back since. Her books contain heart-thumping, bone-chilling, and thought-provoking paranormal experiences that deliver a new twist to every tale.
Find out more about Janice at www.janicetremayne.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 8, 2020
This is the first book of a trilogy. Simply known as the Clarisse series. This book is awwwwmmmmaaaazzzziinnggg. I have never read a book as composed as this. It has a hint of up and coming romance which is subtle and loved it. What hit the mark in this book is the superstitions Clarisse and her family believes in. I am a very superstitious myself. Even though this series can be read as stand alones, it's always better to read in order. That way you will not get confused about the characters like I did.
I received a copy of this book and is voluntarily leaving a review
I received a copy of this book and is voluntarily leaving a review
October 22, 2023
Entertaining relationships listening 🎶🔰
This was a free kindle e-book novel the balance of the series purchase or kindle unlimited.
Very descriptive about the Philippines and Australia personal preference and heritage with romantic relationships. I enjoyed what I listened 🎶 to but not my style of listening 🎶.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers looking for something different in a romantic relationship novel 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘🏡
This was a free kindle e-book novel the balance of the series purchase or kindle unlimited.
Very descriptive about the Philippines and Australia personal preference and heritage with romantic relationships. I enjoyed what I listened 🎶 to but not my style of listening 🎶.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers looking for something different in a romantic relationship novel 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘🏡
January 10, 2021
I love the later books in this series but this story was just ok for me. The dialogue was choppy, the flow was stunted and the climax of the story was not as remarkable as I would have liked. Her later books in this series are great so I am glad I read those first.
February 7, 2020
What I Loved:
The Girl in the Scarlet Chair had a wonderful story around superstition, customs, and romance. I really loved the way Janice Tremayne melded these three topics together to create a beautiful story.
How I Felt:
The Writing: This book has solid story with great writing. The beginning of the story grabbed me immediately. The cadence of the dialog and inner thoughts of the characters took a bit of getting used to. It felt a bit jumpy at times, but overall, did not ruin this book in any way for me.
The Characters: Clarisse was a character that I really liked. I connected with her and understood her struggles with starting a relationship with a man so different from her own background. Harry was a lovable character as well. I enjoyed watching the two of them work toward a relationship. The romance did not feel forced and it was definitely a clean romance for those that are looking for a book like that.
The Plot: I loved the mystery surrounding the locked room and “the chair”. I liked that the author gave the introduction to the room when the main character, Clarisse, is a small child and then time jumps to her as an adult. It gave me a good sense of the superstition surrounding the room and family.
Overall: The Girl in the Scarlet Chair was a good story with an interesting premise. The romance was light and clean and had a fun paranormal addition.
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend The Girl in the Scarlet Chair for readers that enjoy a bit of a paranormal story with clean romance.
I was provided an advanced readers copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest, unbiased review voluntarily.
This review will post to my blog on 2/14/20. All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
The Girl in the Scarlet Chair had a wonderful story around superstition, customs, and romance. I really loved the way Janice Tremayne melded these three topics together to create a beautiful story.
How I Felt:
The Writing: This book has solid story with great writing. The beginning of the story grabbed me immediately. The cadence of the dialog and inner thoughts of the characters took a bit of getting used to. It felt a bit jumpy at times, but overall, did not ruin this book in any way for me.
The Characters: Clarisse was a character that I really liked. I connected with her and understood her struggles with starting a relationship with a man so different from her own background. Harry was a lovable character as well. I enjoyed watching the two of them work toward a relationship. The romance did not feel forced and it was definitely a clean romance for those that are looking for a book like that.
The Plot: I loved the mystery surrounding the locked room and “the chair”. I liked that the author gave the introduction to the room when the main character, Clarisse, is a small child and then time jumps to her as an adult. It gave me a good sense of the superstition surrounding the room and family.
Overall: The Girl in the Scarlet Chair was a good story with an interesting premise. The romance was light and clean and had a fun paranormal addition.
To Read or Not To Read:
I would recommend The Girl in the Scarlet Chair for readers that enjoy a bit of a paranormal story with clean romance.
I was provided an advanced readers copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest, unbiased review voluntarily.
This review will post to my blog on 2/14/20. All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
December 16, 2019
This is a romance complicated by several issues; both Clarisse and Harry are recently out of relationships killed by infidelity, they are of different ethnic cultures and, most importantly, there is the presence of Philippine superstition and evil involving an heirloom family chair. Frankly, I never really understood how the chair became so malevolent and how the Catholic pellegrina worked to combat it but it was all part of ensuring a pleasant ending to this innocent romance.
As a side note, I have read very little about the Philippine lifestyle and history and this story gave me some information regarding that way of life that I found interesting.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
As a side note, I have read very little about the Philippine lifestyle and history and this story gave me some information regarding that way of life that I found interesting.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
November 7, 2019
Great setting and learned about another culture
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2019
A refreshing storyline-well written and enjoyable
January 8, 2023
Frankly this was a bit disappointing. It kept heading toward something but never quite got there. When something is tagged horror you kind of expect to be a bit scary. It just didn't get there.
November 25, 2019
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
Five days to decide if you were meant for each. Can a chair really for see the future? A meeting like no other which will predict your chances on love. It is an interesting outlook on the old age matchmaking with a twist. It was an enjoyable read.
Five days to decide if you were meant for each. Can a chair really for see the future? A meeting like no other which will predict your chances on love. It is an interesting outlook on the old age matchmaking with a twist. It was an enjoyable read.
November 21, 2019
This untaxing, easy read is a pretty entertaining way to fill a few hours. The story is a simple one, yet intriguing and engaging right from the outset, the cosy mystery of the scarlet chair keeping me attentive enough to read the book in one sitting. This is a warm and affectionate paranormal romance for young adults, and whilst the supernatural qualities of the chair are indeed somewhat malevolent, they are generally more mystical and superstitious than particularly dark. Almost metaphorical in nature, the cynical chair highlights and accentuates the negative energy in a relationship, like some bitter divorcée - or the jilted spirit which haunts it. In fact, this book probably firmly crosses these fantasy genres and it does it well.
It is unusual for me to receive a fictional book set in the Philippines, and from my point of view it would have been a nice opportunity to learn a little more about the culture. That said, what Janice does share about the “Land of Affection” and its respectful people is clearly motivated by her own experiences and familiarity with the country, and particularly its capital, Manila. There is a love letter in The Girl in the Scarlet Chair, and by that I refer to the one written by the author, rather than the characters.
There is a lot of dialogue driving this tale, and some it is quite stilted, I guess. Otherwise, this nicely pleasing and well written book could be a nice, pleasant opening to a cosy paranormal romance or mystery series, and I cannot deny that it had me gripped. Its low word count probably does benefit it, compounding the overall feeling that it is not to be taken too seriously, but if you’re looking for a warm, relaxing way to fill a few hours on a rainy day, and aren’t interested in investing too heavily in a read, this is definitely worth putting your feet up with, I’d say.
It is unusual for me to receive a fictional book set in the Philippines, and from my point of view it would have been a nice opportunity to learn a little more about the culture. That said, what Janice does share about the “Land of Affection” and its respectful people is clearly motivated by her own experiences and familiarity with the country, and particularly its capital, Manila. There is a love letter in The Girl in the Scarlet Chair, and by that I refer to the one written by the author, rather than the characters.
There is a lot of dialogue driving this tale, and some it is quite stilted, I guess. Otherwise, this nicely pleasing and well written book could be a nice, pleasant opening to a cosy paranormal romance or mystery series, and I cannot deny that it had me gripped. Its low word count probably does benefit it, compounding the overall feeling that it is not to be taken too seriously, but if you’re looking for a warm, relaxing way to fill a few hours on a rainy day, and aren’t interested in investing too heavily in a read, this is definitely worth putting your feet up with, I’d say.
November 28, 2019
Amazing
I want to start off by saying that I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. In return for my honest review and thoughts. I really enjoyed this book. I was not disappointed at all. Enjoyed the characters and that is set up in the Philippines. I haven't read anything set there. Reading about all the superstitions was amazing. Highly recommended this book. It's short and beautiful written book. Can’t wait to the read book two
About book-
There's a chair that holds engery and Clarissa can't help but wonder about it. Clarissa mother forbids her to go near it. She is set up with a man named Harry. And they begin online relationship. After both of them have gone through bad past relationships. We are taken on a journey on how they finally met up.Highly recommend
I want to start off by saying that I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. In return for my honest review and thoughts. I really enjoyed this book. I was not disappointed at all. Enjoyed the characters and that is set up in the Philippines. I haven't read anything set there. Reading about all the superstitions was amazing. Highly recommended this book. It's short and beautiful written book. Can’t wait to the read book two
About book-
There's a chair that holds engery and Clarissa can't help but wonder about it. Clarissa mother forbids her to go near it. She is set up with a man named Harry. And they begin online relationship. After both of them have gone through bad past relationships. We are taken on a journey on how they finally met up.Highly recommend
September 20, 2022
I was expecting more horror in this short book, but the superstitions of the Philippines and the cultural references were interesting.
Clarisse is a young woman who has been raised with the superstitions surrounding a scarlet chair which sits in a room in her childhood home. This chair was handed down from her great grandmother, Elena, and nobody is to sit in it except on the day of the Dead.
Harry is a young man from Australia, disappointed by his brief marriage. When he meets Clarisse online through a friend, he decides to travel to visit her.
I found the writing to be fairly simplistic and the dialogue choppy, as if this is the author's first book. The idea behind the chair was interesting, but I felt a little let down at the end of the book. I think that the buildup to the ending made me expect more. I was given the chance to read this book through Booksirens and chose to review it.
Clarisse is a young woman who has been raised with the superstitions surrounding a scarlet chair which sits in a room in her childhood home. This chair was handed down from her great grandmother, Elena, and nobody is to sit in it except on the day of the Dead.
Harry is a young man from Australia, disappointed by his brief marriage. When he meets Clarisse online through a friend, he decides to travel to visit her.
I found the writing to be fairly simplistic and the dialogue choppy, as if this is the author's first book. The idea behind the chair was interesting, but I felt a little let down at the end of the book. I think that the buildup to the ending made me expect more. I was given the chance to read this book through Booksirens and chose to review it.
November 11, 2019
Blend of mystery romance with spiritual overlays
February 15, 2021
This really wasn't for me but it's not a long book, and I received a free copy in exchange for a review, so I persisted to the end. The book was not what I expected and I'm not sure I'd classify it as paranormal romance as others have. To me it was more of a clean Christian (Catholic) romance with a touch of magical realism, neither of which I'm a fan of. The book is also written in a very simplistic style, with a tell-don't-show approach that I just didn't enjoy.
I received a copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2023
I Love Romance Blog Book Review
Clarisse, until now, has been unlucky in love. Her family is superstitious about a chair that sits in her mother's house. The chair is off-limits to anyone, especially family members. The chair is said to have special powers regarding the relationships of the heart. The author did an excellent job explaining the chair's characteristics and the celebrations regarding the Day of the Dead.
Harry also has had his issues with love. He recently divorced, and he has no desire to date again. A close friend suggests he join a dating website.
After months of communicating through a visual dating website, Clarisse and Harry are introduced through the dating website, and the two decide to meet. Janice Tremayne did a fantastic job explaining the backgrounds of the characters and the supporting characters. However, a chapter could have been inserted between Chapter 3, Long-Distance Relationships, and Chapter 4, The City of Affection. They go from talking on the dating website for three months to him coming to meet her. But, after that, the book took off, and it was a pleasure to read. The book would be perfect for a young adult who wants to read something about dating, divorces, and the paranormal. The book is not scary, and the sexual tension is minimal perfect for a young reader or those who skip the sexual parts in books.
Guest Blogger/Reviewer Bio: I go by Ginny Hofmiller when I write. I indulge in reading and writing romance stories whenever I have free time. I picked up Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume as a child and then began reading Harlequin Romance Novels. My reading preferences shifted during my adult years, and I developed a fondness for Futuristic Novels and Vampire Novels. My YouTube channel, Creative Crafts with Ginny, centers on art/painting projects. My channel has been successful, but I am looking to expand its content to include book reviews and discussions, hoping to promote my books on the same platform. I have worked in the corporate/government for over 30 years. I taught communication courses at the University of Phoenix for about ten years. When not writing or reading, I work on paint-by-numbers projects or produce videos for my channel in my studio
Clarisse, until now, has been unlucky in love. Her family is superstitious about a chair that sits in her mother's house. The chair is off-limits to anyone, especially family members. The chair is said to have special powers regarding the relationships of the heart. The author did an excellent job explaining the chair's characteristics and the celebrations regarding the Day of the Dead.
Harry also has had his issues with love. He recently divorced, and he has no desire to date again. A close friend suggests he join a dating website.
After months of communicating through a visual dating website, Clarisse and Harry are introduced through the dating website, and the two decide to meet. Janice Tremayne did a fantastic job explaining the backgrounds of the characters and the supporting characters. However, a chapter could have been inserted between Chapter 3, Long-Distance Relationships, and Chapter 4, The City of Affection. They go from talking on the dating website for three months to him coming to meet her. But, after that, the book took off, and it was a pleasure to read. The book would be perfect for a young adult who wants to read something about dating, divorces, and the paranormal. The book is not scary, and the sexual tension is minimal perfect for a young reader or those who skip the sexual parts in books.
Guest Blogger/Reviewer Bio: I go by Ginny Hofmiller when I write. I indulge in reading and writing romance stories whenever I have free time. I picked up Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume as a child and then began reading Harlequin Romance Novels. My reading preferences shifted during my adult years, and I developed a fondness for Futuristic Novels and Vampire Novels. My YouTube channel, Creative Crafts with Ginny, centers on art/painting projects. My channel has been successful, but I am looking to expand its content to include book reviews and discussions, hoping to promote my books on the same platform. I have worked in the corporate/government for over 30 years. I taught communication courses at the University of Phoenix for about ten years. When not writing or reading, I work on paint-by-numbers projects or produce videos for my channel in my studio
July 11, 2021
Clarisse has been told all her life to stay away from the scarlet chair behind the locked door. But Clarisse can’t seem to stay away from the chair. The chair is haunted and feeds off of a person’s negative energy.
Every time Clarisse has disobeyed her mother and sat in the chair she ends up in the hospital for a couple of weeks. Clarisse is a very strong person with lots of determination and will let nothing stand in her way of completing a task.
Clarisse meets this guy, Harry online with the help of her friend Marjorie. Harry visits Clarisse in Manila and the two hit it off real quick-like. Actually, I think Harry and Clarisse fell in love with each other online before they ever met in person. Clarisse doesn’t want to lie to Harry but keeps as much as possible hidden from him about the scarlet chair.
I so enjoyed reading The Girl in the Scarlet Chair. All the characters were so awesome. I really enjoyed getting to know them. I liked learning a little bit about Manila. I liked when Harry took Clarisse to one of the tourist spots.
Harry and Clarisse are two kindred spirits whom both have endured some of the same things like their partners cheating on them. They can relate to how the other is feeling and maybe help each other to recover from their broken hearts.
The Girl in the Scarlet Chair is not the first book in the Haunting Clarisse Series that I have read no I read book three Haunting in Old Tailem first and loved it so much I couldn’t wait to read the rest of the series.
After reading the Haunting in Old Tailem I don’t feel as if I missed very much but I am glad that I finally got around to reading the first book The Girl in the Scarlet Chair and being able to learn more about Clarisse and who she is. I can’t wait now to dive into book two, Haunting in Hartley as Clarisse makes her way to a haunted ghost town in Australia.
I definitely recommend The Girl in the Scarlet Chair to everyone who loves a good haunting. One-click your copy of The Girl in the Scarlet Chair to see what all the hype is about with the girl and the scarlet chair. Trust me you won’t regret it!
Every time Clarisse has disobeyed her mother and sat in the chair she ends up in the hospital for a couple of weeks. Clarisse is a very strong person with lots of determination and will let nothing stand in her way of completing a task.
Clarisse meets this guy, Harry online with the help of her friend Marjorie. Harry visits Clarisse in Manila and the two hit it off real quick-like. Actually, I think Harry and Clarisse fell in love with each other online before they ever met in person. Clarisse doesn’t want to lie to Harry but keeps as much as possible hidden from him about the scarlet chair.
I so enjoyed reading The Girl in the Scarlet Chair. All the characters were so awesome. I really enjoyed getting to know them. I liked learning a little bit about Manila. I liked when Harry took Clarisse to one of the tourist spots.
Harry and Clarisse are two kindred spirits whom both have endured some of the same things like their partners cheating on them. They can relate to how the other is feeling and maybe help each other to recover from their broken hearts.
The Girl in the Scarlet Chair is not the first book in the Haunting Clarisse Series that I have read no I read book three Haunting in Old Tailem first and loved it so much I couldn’t wait to read the rest of the series.
After reading the Haunting in Old Tailem I don’t feel as if I missed very much but I am glad that I finally got around to reading the first book The Girl in the Scarlet Chair and being able to learn more about Clarisse and who she is. I can’t wait now to dive into book two, Haunting in Hartley as Clarisse makes her way to a haunted ghost town in Australia.
I definitely recommend The Girl in the Scarlet Chair to everyone who loves a good haunting. One-click your copy of The Girl in the Scarlet Chair to see what all the hype is about with the girl and the scarlet chair. Trust me you won’t regret it!
September 17, 2021
I decided to pick this up because I signed up to read the 4th book in this series and figured it might be better if I started from the beginning.
This book was not at all what I was expecting. The title makes it out to be a ghost type story but that's not what I got from it. Its more of a romance novel.
Clarisse is a young girl from the Philippines who has recently gone through a terrible breakup with her fiancé. Harry is a slightly older guy from Australia who has recently gone through a nasty divorce. They are introduced through friends and they start talking through skype. After about three months he comes to visit and they hit it off. Thrown into this romance is the story of a scarlet chair that has an evil spirit attached to it and the superstitions surrounding it. It seemed kind of like a side story to the romance between Clarisse and Harry.
All in all the story was alright. Its not something I typically read and as I stated above, I got it so I could read the other three books after it. Hoping they are less romance, more hauntings, lol.
My reviews are also on my blog: https://thesleepyreader-reviews.blogs...
This book was not at all what I was expecting. The title makes it out to be a ghost type story but that's not what I got from it. Its more of a romance novel.
Clarisse is a young girl from the Philippines who has recently gone through a terrible breakup with her fiancé. Harry is a slightly older guy from Australia who has recently gone through a nasty divorce. They are introduced through friends and they start talking through skype. After about three months he comes to visit and they hit it off. Thrown into this romance is the story of a scarlet chair that has an evil spirit attached to it and the superstitions surrounding it. It seemed kind of like a side story to the romance between Clarisse and Harry.
All in all the story was alright. Its not something I typically read and as I stated above, I got it so I could read the other three books after it. Hoping they are less romance, more hauntings, lol.
My reviews are also on my blog: https://thesleepyreader-reviews.blogs...
July 19, 2020
This was certainly a different sort of book. It was part supernatural but it was mostly romance. A girl from the Philippines meets a guy from Australia on the internet and he comes to visit her in the Philippines. The girl has a pretty strange secret in her house. There is a scarlet chair in her home that has supernatural powers. The chair belonged to the girls great grandmother and may be possessed by the great grandmother. The chair can tell the future of relationships but seems to enjoy providing information about doomed relationships. I could tell the author was Australian due to some of the slang but the author also obviously has a lot of knowledge about the Philippines and the traditions of the people there. This is the first in the series and it does end so there is no cliffhanger. There are some adult themes but very PG stuff. I do not remember any bad language at all. If the supernatural interests you and you like learning about other cultures you will probably enjoy this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 11, 2020
It is a lovely romantic story punctuated by a haunting from a scarlet chair. The chair is apparently possessed by a spirit which does not like true love. Clarisse's mother has warned her often to stay away from the chair and never to sit in it. However, Clarisse believes the chair has the ability to recognize true love and will tell her if the love she is feeling for her new Australian love is true or not. yes, that's right, she ignores her mother's warnings and also ignores what happened to her once before when she sat in the chair when she was in a previous relationship. She and Harry, her newfound man, have only 5 days to get to know each other. Is that long enough for love to grow? Can a love based on such a short time be a lasting one? Those are the questions that she wants to ask the chair. It seems the chair's malevolent spirit does not want to answer her questions. It is a delightful story and you will enjoy reading it right up to the surprising conclusion.
February 21, 2021
I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This novel was not what I was expecting, for some reason I thought it was about a malevolent chair that seeks revenge on those responsible for dooming a relationship, wow was I ever wrong! This is about a chair with the power to feed off the negative energy of anyone who sits in it that has had a bad relationship. The main character, Clarisse is one such person. She has just ended her engagement with someone who has consistently cheated on her. She is eventually introduced to another guy through a friend of hers and she decides to sit in the chair to determine if this guy is the one or not. The majority of the novel is about the growing relationship between her and Harry. This is not typically the kind of novel I would read but I found myself devouring the story. I loved learning about the various superstitions in the Philippines and in itself this made the novel an enjoyable read.
April 3, 2020
I found this novel interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. For me the underlying story involved a slowly blossoming relationship between two people Harry and Clarisse primarily meeting on line both from very different cultures living in different countries. Harry decides to take the plunge and flies to Manila . The initial meeting showed the challenges ahead for Harry how to respect a culture that was unfamiliar and full of superstitions and let’s not forget the scarlet chair. Both have suffered from bad previous relationships but Harry faces an uncertain future as his care for Clarisse grows but at the same time he needs to gain acceptance from family and friends and somehow rationalise the scarlet chair. Throw in a bit of paranormal experiences to keep the reader engaged and you have a book full of twists and turns.
April 9, 2021
This book was a little heavier on the romance side of the story than the paranormal/haunting/eerie side of the story. Being a book written before the others I have read of this author, it was not quite as captivating as the other novels, but still was well written and told an interesting story. I wanted to start this series from the beginning, and it was still enjoyable, despite usually not being interested in romance as the main plot. The superstition/paranormal portion of the story was very interesting and beautifully haunting. It was a fresh and interesting plot. The characters were likable and it was interesting to learn more about the culture in the Philippines. I look forward to the next story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 12, 2022
Almost 20 five star reviews on Kindle all glowing for the book/series, and I was excited to read about Australian ghost towns and stories, but I could not get past chapter 9. The dialogue is so stiff and unrealistic, the characters are too perfectly perfect and have the emotional depth of a bit of pocket string. Even by chapter 9 there was no plot, just this unecessarily drawn out laying out of the start of Clarisse and Harry's relationship, littered with cringey references to specific brand name items/things..."Versace Blue Jeans Perfume", "Versace Crystal Noir" , "Christian Ronaldo haircut" rather than using clever and descriptive writing. Someone please tell me it's worth muscling though this poor writing to get to the meat of the story????
November 15, 2020
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
This is the first book in this series. It’s a very enjoyable read, with a paranormal vibe to it, and a lot of suspense!! The heroine of the story, Clarisse, is a very fantastic and likable character. She’s trying to navigate through a long distance relationship, and deal with a Scarlet chair that belonged to her great grandmother. The chair has the ability to tell the future of relationships, and seems to enjoy giving information about doomed relationships. This book sets the stage for the rest of the series, and Clarisse’s abilities. I recommend this book!!
This is the first book in this series. It’s a very enjoyable read, with a paranormal vibe to it, and a lot of suspense!! The heroine of the story, Clarisse, is a very fantastic and likable character. She’s trying to navigate through a long distance relationship, and deal with a Scarlet chair that belonged to her great grandmother. The chair has the ability to tell the future of relationships, and seems to enjoy giving information about doomed relationships. This book sets the stage for the rest of the series, and Clarisse’s abilities. I recommend this book!!
April 8, 2020
I received a copy of this book via a Goodreads Giveaway. This novel follows Clarisse who lives in the Philippines whose family believes that a scarlet chair in their house is cursed by whoever sits in it especially in love. Clarisse uses it to see the future with her then fiance` and sees their future. She then meets a man named Harry online and starts a relationship with him but will the chair again cause problems? I liked the mystery of the chair as well as the dynamic between Clarisse and Harry. However, the character development was poor and the ending was lackluster.
September 13, 2023
3.5 rounded up to 4
I was a bit underwhelmed by this one. It's an interesting premise, and a good introduction to Clarisse, the star of this series. I did like the eerie moments and superstition surrounding the chair. It just didn't feel like there was enough tension built up in the story as a whole, and at the beginning it was confusing as to how old Clarisse was when certain events were taking place. Having read one of the later books in the series, I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for book two, and hoping the horror factor really picks up in it.
I was a bit underwhelmed by this one. It's an interesting premise, and a good introduction to Clarisse, the star of this series. I did like the eerie moments and superstition surrounding the chair. It just didn't feel like there was enough tension built up in the story as a whole, and at the beginning it was confusing as to how old Clarisse was when certain events were taking place. Having read one of the later books in the series, I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for book two, and hoping the horror factor really picks up in it.
November 10, 2020
A lovely story about love and the intrusion of a very strong-willed scarlet chair that may send lives into turmoil. It also describes what is expected of a couple when they start dating in the Philipines, what´s allowed or not, and how society judges people. It´s also a pleasant journey into the food and drinking habits of that country. Entertaining!
I downloaded a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I downloaded a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2025
An intriguing story. Clarisse lives in the Philippines and is unlucky in love. It doesn't help when the scarlet chair exposes her fiancee infidelity. Cursed and possessed the chair is a family secret and burden and constant temptation. The,story is excellent and the,characters good. I found the writing style a bit stilted but this is an early work and I have enjoyed her more recent books more.
October 25, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 2, 2020
The Author does a wonderful job of weaving superstitions, customs for a refreshing love story. It embraces the cultures of a couple looking for love and a stable relationship. I found that I had to keep reading to see what happens next for this couple. It was hard to put down. I highly recommend this book......Enjoy!
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