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Kedgetown #1
Postscript
A magical bookshop holds the keys.
When Mason Chynoweth inherits an old house in small-town New Zealand, he hopes to discover what happened to his great-great uncle Lewis after he returned from the war in 1945. Mason’s first encounter with the property is thankfully reassuring—his sensitive psychic powers aren’t triggered and he has a calm sense of coming home.
Elijah Whitaker arrives in Kedgetown for an extended visit with his aunts. He’s quickly drawn to Mason and offers to help him try to find some answers in the dusty old house. It soon becomes clear that Mason is keeping secrets, but Elijah has a few secrets of his own. Like his closely guarded knowledge of the hidden supernatural world, and the fact that many of the townspeople are psi and supernaturals.
What is the connection between the house and Postscript, the town’s enigmatic bookshop? Mason’s glimpses of the past give some clues, but not enough to make sense of the puzzle.
When a hidden journal comes to light, the true story of Lewis’s journey is revealed, and his path and Mason and Elijah’s begin to intertwine.
When Mason Chynoweth inherits an old house in small-town New Zealand, he hopes to discover what happened to his great-great uncle Lewis after he returned from the war in 1945. Mason’s first encounter with the property is thankfully reassuring—his sensitive psychic powers aren’t triggered and he has a calm sense of coming home.
Elijah Whitaker arrives in Kedgetown for an extended visit with his aunts. He’s quickly drawn to Mason and offers to help him try to find some answers in the dusty old house. It soon becomes clear that Mason is keeping secrets, but Elijah has a few secrets of his own. Like his closely guarded knowledge of the hidden supernatural world, and the fact that many of the townspeople are psi and supernaturals.
What is the connection between the house and Postscript, the town’s enigmatic bookshop? Mason’s glimpses of the past give some clues, but not enough to make sense of the puzzle.
When a hidden journal comes to light, the true story of Lewis’s journey is revealed, and his path and Mason and Elijah’s begin to intertwine.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2023
17 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Anne Barwell
23 books108 followersAnne Barwell lives in Wellington, New Zealand. She shares her home with two cats who are convinced that the house is run to suit them; this is an ongoing "discussion," and to date it appears as though the cats may be winning.
In 2008 she completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra.
She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as "too many." These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of "spare time" is really just a myth.
In 2008 she completed her conjoint BA in English Literature and Music/Bachelor of Teaching. She has worked as a music teacher, a primary school teacher, and now works in a library. She is a member of the Upper Hutt Science Fiction Club and plays violin for Hutt Valley Orchestra.
She is an avid reader across a wide range of genres and a watcher of far too many TV series and movies, although it can be argued that there is no such thing as "too many." These, of course, are best enjoyed with a decent cup of tea and further the continuing argument that the concept of "spare time" is really just a myth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
June 25, 2023
ugh. Painfully written.
This story had good bones, but the execution, especially in terms of the writing killed my interest in it.
Had it not been for a challenge, I would have DNF’d this book early on.
The writing told more than showed, the dialogue was sophomoric with over-explanations that felt pedantic.
On top of that, there was no in page sex.
This is not a writer for me.
This story had good bones, but the execution, especially in terms of the writing killed my interest in it.
Had it not been for a challenge, I would have DNF’d this book early on.
The writing told more than showed, the dialogue was sophomoric with over-explanations that felt pedantic.
On top of that, there was no in page sex.
This is not a writer for me.
June 9, 2023
Such clunky writing.
Confused intro to magic
town with quirky bores.
Confused intro to magic
town with quirky bores.
April 28, 2023
I finished this because I was curious. But the whole worldbuilding was not written well, IMHO. Too many hints and also things happened off page that felt confusing. And the main characters' romantic development wasn't interesting.
February 14, 2023
DNF @ 11%.
Not liking the writing, and I just can’t deal with meddling aunts, especially when one of them is dead.
Not liking the writing, and I just can’t deal with meddling aunts, especially when one of them is dead.
June 30, 2023
I struggled with this one. It wasn't bad, like not at all. I just lost my interest over and over again.
June 11, 2023
I didn't care for this one. I had to read this for a challenge, otherwise I would've DNF'd it. There was so much jumping in this story, I found it super irritating. Just for example, we jump into the past to read a journal entry and when they are done reading it, we are now months in the future and Elijah and Mason are now in a full-blown relationship. Super irritating. How on earth am I supposed to be attached to these characters when everything happens behind closed doors?
There are more inconsistencies throughout the book and we also have some sentences that don't seem to be finished. I definitely won't be continuing with any future books in the series.
There are more inconsistencies throughout the book and we also have some sentences that don't seem to be finished. I definitely won't be continuing with any future books in the series.
February 13, 2023
DNF at 33%. I went one chapter into the "journal" part, and just cannot with the choice to write the magic journal parts in third person. There were already signs this author didn't know enough about writing to fully satisfy me, so I'm not surprised. But I am disappointed. I like the characters. I like the idea of the town. But the worldbuilding is sketchy, and for a town hiding secrets, they sure drop a ton of "hints."
February 8, 2023
Enjoyed this story of supernaturals. The story ranged over a number of years and takes place around a bookstore.
I always admire authors especially those who write paranormal and sci-fi as this must have terrific imaginations and also trying to make each story stand out and not be just another supe story. I hope there will be more books in this series.
I always admire authors especially those who write paranormal and sci-fi as this must have terrific imaginations and also trying to make each story stand out and not be just another supe story. I hope there will be more books in this series.
June 30, 2023
I found this to be extremely boring. It's a relatively short book and it took me 4 days to finish because I had no drive to pick it up. A lot happens off page that I feel should have been explored more, but maybe that's a good thing so I didn't have to read as much.
February 8, 2023
Home
This was such an interesting read, I really enjoyed the dual but connected storyline. I love the idea of a magical bookshop. I'm looking forward to my next visit to Kedgetown.
This was such an interesting read, I really enjoyed the dual but connected storyline. I love the idea of a magical bookshop. I'm looking forward to my next visit to Kedgetown.
June 28, 2023
Round up from a -1 star
First I want to say that I feel really bad rating this book. It was part of a reading challenge and that is the only reason I even finished it. If I was reading this book just for myself I would have DNF’d it after the first 5 pages. So take that information for what it is.
Is it possible to black out from bad writing, if so I was unconscious for most of this book. It was one of those situations where I had to keep going back and re-reading half of the book. I don’t know if it was because I felt so lost with all of the plot holes and “convenient” time jumps, or if my brain refused to absorb what I was reading. I would love to say that there was something redeeming about this book but I can’t. I literally took me being stuck on an 9 hour flight to get me to finish it.
First I want to say that I feel really bad rating this book. It was part of a reading challenge and that is the only reason I even finished it. If I was reading this book just for myself I would have DNF’d it after the first 5 pages. So take that information for what it is.
Is it possible to black out from bad writing, if so I was unconscious for most of this book. It was one of those situations where I had to keep going back and re-reading half of the book. I don’t know if it was because I felt so lost with all of the plot holes and “convenient” time jumps, or if my brain refused to absorb what I was reading. I would love to say that there was something redeeming about this book but I can’t. I literally took me being stuck on an 9 hour flight to get me to finish it.
February 6, 2023
Mason Chynoweth has come to Kedgetown, a unique, little town in New Zealand. He’s inherited an old house on Main Street from his great-great Uncle Lewis Newman. Annalise Whitaker has been showing Mason the house. She owns the Moonside B&B in town and is married to Rilla. Annalise seems to drop hints that Mason would work out fine in Kedgetown and it makes him uncomfortable. Mason holds a secret, he has an ability that he won’t risk.
He meets Elijah Beresford, nephew of Annalise. Their first meeting doesn’t start off to well. Elijah is leery of Mason, even though his Aunts think Mason is a perfect fit to Kedgetown. Elijah has had a relationship already that failed and has to be careful with his matchmaking Aunts. Elijah holds a secret too, and it was impossible to share it with someone else. He’s also trying to decide if Kedgetown is where he belongs.
Mason wears gloves to protect himself and it seems strange to others, especially Elijah. As Mason’s ability starts to pick up some odd things, Elijah becomes suspicious. He takes Mason on a tour of Kedgetown and they are both cautious not to reveal their secrets. As Mason get’s to meet Scott and other locals he notices something odd about them. Then the luring attraction of the vacated bakery shop has Mason curious but when he looks inside he is greatly disturbed by a vision.
He runs from Elijah and his head is filled with doubts about Kedgetown. He thought, maybe he had found a place where he could be himself and live in peace. Will there be a turning point for Mason and Elijah? What will they discover about: themselves, the old house, those that lived there and Postscript?
Anne Barwell has never failed to entertain me with her novels: contemporary, war times and supernatural. “Postscript” is an especially marvelous creation of all those subjects. She’s creates a small town of humans, supernatural beings, ghosts, and a cozy and magical book shop called “Postscript”. There’s mysterious keys and a journal that will tell a heartwarming and tragic story of those from the past.
I loved this story and there isn’t one character that I didn’t like. Elijah’s Aunts Rilla and Annalise are just delightful baking and matchmaking. Mason’s great-great Uncle Lewis and his partner Cyrus Godfrey and Lewis’s sister Louisa. Donagh and his story of the Wexford Rebellion of 1798. There’s: Victor and Esme; Dr. Scott Kelly and Wendy; Mac Fowler, Adam Latimer and Father Elard that all have tales of their own. Also, Ben Leyton and Professor Simon Hawthorne get a cameo along with their new friend Josh McKenna. A special mention goes out to Wordsworth, he’s proof that those furry critters that are so loved, live forever.
I highly recommend “Postscript” by Anne Barwell, who with this heartwarming and passionate tale creates a “pocket universe” and the idea of a book store that is just incredible and so much more. This novel has all the emotions that touch the heart and gives the supernatural a twist. I know there will be more to come from Anne Barwell and “Postscript” as she has so many wonderful characters that have more to share.
He meets Elijah Beresford, nephew of Annalise. Their first meeting doesn’t start off to well. Elijah is leery of Mason, even though his Aunts think Mason is a perfect fit to Kedgetown. Elijah has had a relationship already that failed and has to be careful with his matchmaking Aunts. Elijah holds a secret too, and it was impossible to share it with someone else. He’s also trying to decide if Kedgetown is where he belongs.
Mason wears gloves to protect himself and it seems strange to others, especially Elijah. As Mason’s ability starts to pick up some odd things, Elijah becomes suspicious. He takes Mason on a tour of Kedgetown and they are both cautious not to reveal their secrets. As Mason get’s to meet Scott and other locals he notices something odd about them. Then the luring attraction of the vacated bakery shop has Mason curious but when he looks inside he is greatly disturbed by a vision.
He runs from Elijah and his head is filled with doubts about Kedgetown. He thought, maybe he had found a place where he could be himself and live in peace. Will there be a turning point for Mason and Elijah? What will they discover about: themselves, the old house, those that lived there and Postscript?
Anne Barwell has never failed to entertain me with her novels: contemporary, war times and supernatural. “Postscript” is an especially marvelous creation of all those subjects. She’s creates a small town of humans, supernatural beings, ghosts, and a cozy and magical book shop called “Postscript”. There’s mysterious keys and a journal that will tell a heartwarming and tragic story of those from the past.
I loved this story and there isn’t one character that I didn’t like. Elijah’s Aunts Rilla and Annalise are just delightful baking and matchmaking. Mason’s great-great Uncle Lewis and his partner Cyrus Godfrey and Lewis’s sister Louisa. Donagh and his story of the Wexford Rebellion of 1798. There’s: Victor and Esme; Dr. Scott Kelly and Wendy; Mac Fowler, Adam Latimer and Father Elard that all have tales of their own. Also, Ben Leyton and Professor Simon Hawthorne get a cameo along with their new friend Josh McKenna. A special mention goes out to Wordsworth, he’s proof that those furry critters that are so loved, live forever.
I highly recommend “Postscript” by Anne Barwell, who with this heartwarming and passionate tale creates a “pocket universe” and the idea of a book store that is just incredible and so much more. This novel has all the emotions that touch the heart and gives the supernatural a twist. I know there will be more to come from Anne Barwell and “Postscript” as she has so many wonderful characters that have more to share.
February 13, 2023
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 3 Hearts
Mason struggles to fit in. But, when he inherits a house in the small town of Kedgetown, he has no idea that he’s walking into a life-changing scenario. Elijah is a frequent visitor to Kedgetown. Yet, other than visiting his aunts, there’s nothing to keep him there. Or was it the case of having the right incentive?
Being a human in Kedgetown puts one in the minority. And the remainder keep secrets until the time is right to reveal them. I found Postscript an interesting supernatural story that I sat on the fence between awe and confusion.
The story is told in the third person from multiple viewpoints. Technically, there is the odd grammatical typo and slip of tense, but the change from past to present tense could have been deliberate – I’m not honestly sure. The reason I say this is because there is a journal. Where many authors may write this diary style in a different font – Anne Barwell writes it as though the characters are living the elements of the journal. However, whereas I was under the impression that the story was supposed to be about how Mason and Elijah found each other during their search for information on Lewis and Cyrus – it soon became a tale of four main protagonists with dedicated chapters. Some of these forays into the past worked better than others, and occasionally, I lost track of what was happening with Mason and Elijah.
The story is set near Wellington, New Zealand, with para-normal (yes, the hyphen is deliberate) events from the start, because the paranormal is normal for Kedgetown. In the opening pages, I experienced many ‘Ugh, What?” moments and re-read several pages where I initially attributed slips of the tongue as typos instead of story hints, but then I remembered para-normal, and everything realigned. Cleverly as this was written (hence the awe), I’d get distracted over what was said earlier, by who and how it affected the scene (and we have the confusion).
I thought Mason and Elijah were lovely, but the main in-depth story lay with Lewis and Cyrus – so I get how their journey would have taken on a life of its own. Oh, and Wordsworth the cat is a scene stealer – loved him.
In this story, some traditional supernatural features have been merged. On the one hand, Elijah describes himself as a werewolf who needs chaining up at the full moon; then, he describes himself as a shifter wolf who can’t wait to stretch his legs. This is the case for several supernatural beings. It is the first time I’ve read several elements combined in one person – then again, many aspects of this paranormal story are merged.
I enjoy a story written differently, and a lot about Postscript was super reading. But some parts worked better for me than others hence the on-the-fence rating.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Mason struggles to fit in. But, when he inherits a house in the small town of Kedgetown, he has no idea that he’s walking into a life-changing scenario. Elijah is a frequent visitor to Kedgetown. Yet, other than visiting his aunts, there’s nothing to keep him there. Or was it the case of having the right incentive?
Being a human in Kedgetown puts one in the minority. And the remainder keep secrets until the time is right to reveal them. I found Postscript an interesting supernatural story that I sat on the fence between awe and confusion.
The story is told in the third person from multiple viewpoints. Technically, there is the odd grammatical typo and slip of tense, but the change from past to present tense could have been deliberate – I’m not honestly sure. The reason I say this is because there is a journal. Where many authors may write this diary style in a different font – Anne Barwell writes it as though the characters are living the elements of the journal. However, whereas I was under the impression that the story was supposed to be about how Mason and Elijah found each other during their search for information on Lewis and Cyrus – it soon became a tale of four main protagonists with dedicated chapters. Some of these forays into the past worked better than others, and occasionally, I lost track of what was happening with Mason and Elijah.
The story is set near Wellington, New Zealand, with para-normal (yes, the hyphen is deliberate) events from the start, because the paranormal is normal for Kedgetown. In the opening pages, I experienced many ‘Ugh, What?” moments and re-read several pages where I initially attributed slips of the tongue as typos instead of story hints, but then I remembered para-normal, and everything realigned. Cleverly as this was written (hence the awe), I’d get distracted over what was said earlier, by who and how it affected the scene (and we have the confusion).
I thought Mason and Elijah were lovely, but the main in-depth story lay with Lewis and Cyrus – so I get how their journey would have taken on a life of its own. Oh, and Wordsworth the cat is a scene stealer – loved him.
In this story, some traditional supernatural features have been merged. On the one hand, Elijah describes himself as a werewolf who needs chaining up at the full moon; then, he describes himself as a shifter wolf who can’t wait to stretch his legs. This is the case for several supernatural beings. It is the first time I’ve read several elements combined in one person – then again, many aspects of this paranormal story are merged.
I enjoy a story written differently, and a lot about Postscript was super reading. But some parts worked better for me than others hence the on-the-fence rating.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
April 3, 2023
Postscript (Kedgetown 1)
By Anne Barwell
Lacedragon Publishing, 2023
Four stars
Mason Chynoweth has inherited his great-grand-uncle’s house in Kedgetown, and he immediately feels it welcoming him. His psychic ability is his darkest secret, and this isolated small town appeals to him for its potential as a hiding place. Otherwise, he’s puzzled that Lewis Newman, his great-grandmother’s brother, would have even known who he was, much less named him his heir. Lewis had come to Kedgetown in the years before World War II, and while he was presumed to be dead, nobody could quite say when.
Annalise Whitaker, apparently a former occupant of the house, runs the B&B where Mason is staying until he can occupy the house – which Annalise keeps referring to as “the shop,” and also as “he.” She soon introduces Mason to her nephew, Elijah Whitaker, a burly auburn-haired man back in town for a few weeks on holiday.
Annalise shares her home with her longtime companion, Rilla. As it happens, Rilla’s been dead for 40 years, which doesn’t seem to impede their cozy relationship at all. Elijah can see Rilla, but Mason cannot.
Mason doesn’t yet understand that there’s a reason he’s in Kedgetown, and a reason Elijah has unwittingly chosen this moment to pay a long visit to his aunt. Kedgetown is a haven for psychics and supernaturals, and has long been more than tolerant of same-sex relationships. In the course of this first book in a promised series the author will take the reader back in time to the years before and after the second world war, introducing another set of characters – some of whom will show up in the present with Mason and Elijah. It may be a little hard to track at moments, but it explains why this town feels so “right” to Mason.
The house/shop destined to be Mason’s home is called “Postscript,” and its history is one of love and loss and life well-lived. Mason’s awakening to his own history, and what seems to be his magical destiny, is at the center of the narrative, but the past lives of Kedgetown also begin to weave themselves into Mason and Elijah’s present. It is a gentle story about fitting in and finding happiness in an unexpected place.
If there was any disappointment in this book it’s that I didn’t really learn anything about New Zealand, since Kedgetown is a fictious place (charming though it may be). Who knows what we might learn in the coming episodes of the Kedgetown series?
By Anne Barwell
Lacedragon Publishing, 2023
Four stars
Mason Chynoweth has inherited his great-grand-uncle’s house in Kedgetown, and he immediately feels it welcoming him. His psychic ability is his darkest secret, and this isolated small town appeals to him for its potential as a hiding place. Otherwise, he’s puzzled that Lewis Newman, his great-grandmother’s brother, would have even known who he was, much less named him his heir. Lewis had come to Kedgetown in the years before World War II, and while he was presumed to be dead, nobody could quite say when.
Annalise Whitaker, apparently a former occupant of the house, runs the B&B where Mason is staying until he can occupy the house – which Annalise keeps referring to as “the shop,” and also as “he.” She soon introduces Mason to her nephew, Elijah Whitaker, a burly auburn-haired man back in town for a few weeks on holiday.
Annalise shares her home with her longtime companion, Rilla. As it happens, Rilla’s been dead for 40 years, which doesn’t seem to impede their cozy relationship at all. Elijah can see Rilla, but Mason cannot.
Mason doesn’t yet understand that there’s a reason he’s in Kedgetown, and a reason Elijah has unwittingly chosen this moment to pay a long visit to his aunt. Kedgetown is a haven for psychics and supernaturals, and has long been more than tolerant of same-sex relationships. In the course of this first book in a promised series the author will take the reader back in time to the years before and after the second world war, introducing another set of characters – some of whom will show up in the present with Mason and Elijah. It may be a little hard to track at moments, but it explains why this town feels so “right” to Mason.
The house/shop destined to be Mason’s home is called “Postscript,” and its history is one of love and loss and life well-lived. Mason’s awakening to his own history, and what seems to be his magical destiny, is at the center of the narrative, but the past lives of Kedgetown also begin to weave themselves into Mason and Elijah’s present. It is a gentle story about fitting in and finding happiness in an unexpected place.
If there was any disappointment in this book it’s that I didn’t really learn anything about New Zealand, since Kedgetown is a fictious place (charming though it may be). Who knows what we might learn in the coming episodes of the Kedgetown series?
February 7, 2023
This is a multi-situational story. It centers around characters in the current and past lifetimes. As I got into the story I found no one was who they originally seemed.
Mason comes to town to check out a house he inherited from his great-great uncle Lewis. He has no idea why Lewis left it to him. He meets Annalise, who seems to know everything. She shows him the house and is very friendly. She owns the B&B and is married to Rilla. Their story isn’t revealed at the beginning but is a whole story in itself.
Mason also meets Elijah who is visiting Annalise and Rilla. He has his own secrets and concerns but it attracted to Mason.
Mason has had previous issues with relationships so he is afraid to give into his attraction to Elijah right away.
As the two get better acquainted and comfortable with each other plenty of secrets come out. The past and the present have a number of issues that keep the story absorbing. As more and more about the bookstore comes out and the characters stories are told, it all comes together. The story flow is well thought out and the characters each dealing with their own matters all come together smoothly. This is an very entertaining story
Mason comes to town to check out a house he inherited from his great-great uncle Lewis. He has no idea why Lewis left it to him. He meets Annalise, who seems to know everything. She shows him the house and is very friendly. She owns the B&B and is married to Rilla. Their story isn’t revealed at the beginning but is a whole story in itself.
Mason also meets Elijah who is visiting Annalise and Rilla. He has his own secrets and concerns but it attracted to Mason.
Mason has had previous issues with relationships so he is afraid to give into his attraction to Elijah right away.
As the two get better acquainted and comfortable with each other plenty of secrets come out. The past and the present have a number of issues that keep the story absorbing. As more and more about the bookstore comes out and the characters stories are told, it all comes together. The story flow is well thought out and the characters each dealing with their own matters all come together smoothly. This is an very entertaining story
February 8, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.5 stars
Postscript is the first book in Anne Barwell’s new Kedgewood series. The story is largely centered around thirty-somethings Mason and Elijah, but shot through with, well, let’s call it the business end of great granduncle Lewis’ own romance. There was an interesting mix of present day story featuring Mason and Elijah getting to know each other and Lewis and his lover Cyrus falling in love. In addition to the dual romances, the house itself occupies a strange space. On the one hand, some supporting characters very obviously regard the house as its own being. On the other hand, the actual experiences Mason and Elijah or Lewis and Cyrus have in the house don’t seem to reinforce that idea. So with dueling love stories, a house that is more than a house, and a cast of characters that are so long-lived that lines are blurred between the present and the past, it all works to make this story a little more difficult to follow than I think it could be.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.5 stars
Postscript is the first book in Anne Barwell’s new Kedgewood series. The story is largely centered around thirty-somethings Mason and Elijah, but shot through with, well, let’s call it the business end of great granduncle Lewis’ own romance. There was an interesting mix of present day story featuring Mason and Elijah getting to know each other and Lewis and his lover Cyrus falling in love. In addition to the dual romances, the house itself occupies a strange space. On the one hand, some supporting characters very obviously regard the house as its own being. On the other hand, the actual experiences Mason and Elijah or Lewis and Cyrus have in the house don’t seem to reinforce that idea. So with dueling love stories, a house that is more than a house, and a cast of characters that are so long-lived that lines are blurred between the present and the past, it all works to make this story a little more difficult to follow than I think it could be.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
February 10, 2023
*I was provided a copy of this book in exchange a fair and honest review.*
This book has so much going on, I'm not sure where to begin.
We are treated to two love stories, one in the present and another during the time of World War II. Society attitudes toward homosexuals were much different in the 1930s and 1940s but the New Zealand rural town of Kedgetown welcomes everyone.
The story revolves around an old house and a mysterious journal that reveals its contents in small bits and only to certain people. The whole execution of how the story develops, brings people and their supernatural attributes together in unique and entertaining ways.
There is an interesting cast of characters with quite a bit of development and changes going on in their lives. Men with certain supernatural abilities struggle with those gifts (or curses) and find support and friendship within this welcoming community.
Postscript is a fun, emotionally charged story and a great introduction to a new series!
This book has so much going on, I'm not sure where to begin.
We are treated to two love stories, one in the present and another during the time of World War II. Society attitudes toward homosexuals were much different in the 1930s and 1940s but the New Zealand rural town of Kedgetown welcomes everyone.
The story revolves around an old house and a mysterious journal that reveals its contents in small bits and only to certain people. The whole execution of how the story develops, brings people and their supernatural attributes together in unique and entertaining ways.
There is an interesting cast of characters with quite a bit of development and changes going on in their lives. Men with certain supernatural abilities struggle with those gifts (or curses) and find support and friendship within this welcoming community.
Postscript is a fun, emotionally charged story and a great introduction to a new series!
February 8, 2023
This was a first book from this author for me. It's a paranormal romance set in a town where the supernatural is the norm, and everyone is either supernatural, or knows of it. I liked the idea of that, and I'm in if there are more in this series.
This was unusual in that it was written not only in dual POV, but with dual timelines and going back and forth between the two. The common link is not only the family link with Lewis and Mason, but the link with the house that Mason inherits too. The real story is the house, I think with the relationships almost secondary (that's not a criticism). I did like both couples, both the present day and the past and there was nice chemistry between them. It didn't feel rushed but perhaps not as well developed as I'd hoped.
I will confess I'm not sure about the ending, as I'm not really sure what was going on there. I've finished the book and I'm still not really sure. Overall though I really enjoyed this and I'm in for more stories set in a town full of supernaturals, there must be more secrets to be revealed and I'd like to see it.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This was unusual in that it was written not only in dual POV, but with dual timelines and going back and forth between the two. The common link is not only the family link with Lewis and Mason, but the link with the house that Mason inherits too. The real story is the house, I think with the relationships almost secondary (that's not a criticism). I did like both couples, both the present day and the past and there was nice chemistry between them. It didn't feel rushed but perhaps not as well developed as I'd hoped.
I will confess I'm not sure about the ending, as I'm not really sure what was going on there. I've finished the book and I'm still not really sure. Overall though I really enjoyed this and I'm in for more stories set in a town full of supernaturals, there must be more secrets to be revealed and I'd like to see it.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
February 23, 2023
I am honestly a little overwhelmed and don't know where to start my review.
First: I want to say that I liked the book all in all.
Still, I was not 100% happy. Probably because that book was a bit all over the place - at least for me.
It's not that it's bad but sometimes I had a bit trouble following along.
We get more or less two love stories in one book. And I liked that. It was good getting to know both couples. What I was a bit sad about was that it often felt like the story of the present - Mason & Elijah - got less attention than the one in the past - Lewis & Cyrus.
Yes, I was very interested to discover what happened to Lewis & Cyrus but still I'd have liked to get more of the 'right now couple'.
Since it's the start of a series I really hope I'll get more of both couples.
One thing I'm sure about is that it intrigued me enough to want to read more. I want to know more about this bookstore, the couples and the whole supernaturals world.
First: I want to say that I liked the book all in all.
Still, I was not 100% happy. Probably because that book was a bit all over the place - at least for me.
It's not that it's bad but sometimes I had a bit trouble following along.
We get more or less two love stories in one book. And I liked that. It was good getting to know both couples. What I was a bit sad about was that it often felt like the story of the present - Mason & Elijah - got less attention than the one in the past - Lewis & Cyrus.
Yes, I was very interested to discover what happened to Lewis & Cyrus but still I'd have liked to get more of the 'right now couple'.
Since it's the start of a series I really hope I'll get more of both couples.
One thing I'm sure about is that it intrigued me enough to want to read more. I want to know more about this bookstore, the couples and the whole supernaturals world.
January 29, 2023
Great start to a new series.
I really enjoyed this romance between Elijah, werewolf and a Mason who has psychic powers.
Mason moves to Kedgetown after inheriting a house. He immediately feels a sense of peace and connection. Elijah is visiting family, meets Mason and feels drawn to him. Together they endeavour to unlock the secrets of the past, the secrets of the house and the secrets of the bookshop.
I enjoyed the dual timeline and loved all the characters past and present and their sweet romances.
There’s some minor angst due to external issues but the romance in both timelines is very sweet and endearing. The interesting plot kept me fully engaged and as this book is part of a shared world I immediately downloaded the others. I was left smiling at the end with a very happy heart!
I really enjoyed this romance between Elijah, werewolf and a Mason who has psychic powers.
Mason moves to Kedgetown after inheriting a house. He immediately feels a sense of peace and connection. Elijah is visiting family, meets Mason and feels drawn to him. Together they endeavour to unlock the secrets of the past, the secrets of the house and the secrets of the bookshop.
I enjoyed the dual timeline and loved all the characters past and present and their sweet romances.
There’s some minor angst due to external issues but the romance in both timelines is very sweet and endearing. The interesting plot kept me fully engaged and as this book is part of a shared world I immediately downloaded the others. I was left smiling at the end with a very happy heart!
January 30, 2023
Magic, mystery and romance. Anne Barwell has created a beautiful world, a mix of reality and make believe.
Set in New Zealand (which as a kiwi I love) in a magical rural town called Kedgetown. Mason is a psi, someone who sees the past through objects, and Elijah is a werewolf, when the moon is full.
Feeling lost and heartbroken, Mason is left a house when a relative dies and he makes his way to Kedgetown to check it out, here he meets Elijah.
Postscript takes them on a journey through the past and into their futures. It’s a romantic, magical story with a cast of incredible characters.
I’m ashamed to admit this is the first of Anne Barwell’s books I’ve read and I’ll be sure to remedy that as soon as possible, I also can’t wait to see who Postscript will choose to share in her magic next!
Set in New Zealand (which as a kiwi I love) in a magical rural town called Kedgetown. Mason is a psi, someone who sees the past through objects, and Elijah is a werewolf, when the moon is full.
Feeling lost and heartbroken, Mason is left a house when a relative dies and he makes his way to Kedgetown to check it out, here he meets Elijah.
Postscript takes them on a journey through the past and into their futures. It’s a romantic, magical story with a cast of incredible characters.
I’m ashamed to admit this is the first of Anne Barwell’s books I’ve read and I’ll be sure to remedy that as soon as possible, I also can’t wait to see who Postscript will choose to share in her magic next!
February 12, 2023
3.5-4⭐️
Postscript was a fun read, I especially loved how wonderfully atmospheric it was. The author does a great job creating a sense of mystery right from the start, when Mason first arrives in Kedgetown. I loved all the strange things that keep happening, and all the secrets the town is clearly harboring. Kedgetown is filled with mystery, quirky townsfolk, and sometimes creepy happenings. It is a wonderfully charming place to visit. Both Mason and Elijah are interesting characters and pretty cute together. But, overall it is pretty light on the relationship side of the story. I did enjoy Lewis and Cyrus’s love story which was a lovely bonus and quite a poignant romance. It’s a well crafted paranormal story and very engrossing ride.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
Postscript was a fun read, I especially loved how wonderfully atmospheric it was. The author does a great job creating a sense of mystery right from the start, when Mason first arrives in Kedgetown. I loved all the strange things that keep happening, and all the secrets the town is clearly harboring. Kedgetown is filled with mystery, quirky townsfolk, and sometimes creepy happenings. It is a wonderfully charming place to visit. Both Mason and Elijah are interesting characters and pretty cute together. But, overall it is pretty light on the relationship side of the story. I did enjoy Lewis and Cyrus’s love story which was a lovely bonus and quite a poignant romance. It’s a well crafted paranormal story and very engrossing ride.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book
February 9, 2023
Postscript (Kedgetown Book One) by Anne Barwell is a great start to what hopefully will be a long series of fantasy books. The author has taken both werewolves and vampires and added her own take on the mythos of both. I especially enjoyed the addition of humans with psi abilities to the paranormal milieu. Postscript focuses on Elijah (supernatural) and Mason (psi) and Mason’s quest to discover what happened to his relative after WWII. The author used a very effective technique in revealing the answer to Mason’s search. It was fun watching Mason and Elijah find what they needed in each other. What was entertaining to me was googling foods and places mentioned in the book, all of which serve to ground the story in New Zealand. Now I just have to wait until the next tale is released.
February 9, 2023
So many secrets. Mason is a psychic and Elijah is a werewolf and they navigate their attraction against the need to keep those personal details a secret. Then there’s the secret of the bookshop. Or it is a house? The bookshop is tied to Mason’s great uncle and his life. The story leaned more towards the mystery than the romance, but it’s a sweet journey. I found myself getting very angry at everyone who knew the bookshop/house secret yet refused to divulge anything. I truly hate that but it’s my personal bias. I loved that this new series is part of the author’s previous world and we get some lovely guest appearances at the end. I look forward to more from this small town.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy provided by GayRomanceReviews.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy provided by GayRomanceReviews.
February 14, 2023
This is an enjoyable and entertaining paranormal mystery and romance(s) story. The story has magic and mystery, a little angst, stories from the past and present, match-making aunts, a journal, an eclectic town, and lots and lots of secrets. I won't say much about the plot because I want to avoid spoilers, but I will say that I loved the characters, especially Elijah's aunts, who know more about Mason's great uncle and the house Mason inherited than they are telling. I loved the way the mysteries (and answers) slowly unraveled throughout the story, keeping the reader engrossed and eagerly waiting for the next reveal. I enjoyed this unique story and look forward to more books in the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
June 29, 2023
Mason inherited an old house from a long-lost great-uncle. He would like to find out what happened to him after he returned home from World War II. Mason meets Elijah, who has come to town to visit his aunts. Mason and Elijah hit it off, and Elijah starts to help Mason search for answers, but Elijah is hiding a closely guarded secret. Mason finds a journal that slowly reveals pieces of the puzzle surrounding his missing great-uncle.
This was such an exciting story, and the way the author would bounce between the present and past could get confusing, but I liked that aspect of the story because you got two different stories that are told at different times. Once I knew who all the characters were, it was easier to keep the jumps in time straight.
This was such an exciting story, and the way the author would bounce between the present and past could get confusing, but I liked that aspect of the story because you got two different stories that are told at different times. Once I knew who all the characters were, it was easier to keep the jumps in time straight.
April 20, 2025
Sweet
This is a mystery, with what happened to Cyrus and Lewis being slowly revealed and what Postscript is. The problem is, the main characters are being fed the story like a serial novel, not proactively going out and finding clues.
This is a romance, but Elijah and Mason have little conflict in their relationship. Mason has trouble with his psychic "gift", but Elijah is willing to help. Cyrus and Lewis have a bit more conflict, but it wasn't resolved to my satisfaction in the story.
The town is one of those sweet supernatural sanctuaries, and they're also open-minded about same sex relationships. If you want a low angst story about a place where everyone is accepted, you might like this story.
This is a mystery, with what happened to Cyrus and Lewis being slowly revealed and what Postscript is. The problem is, the main characters are being fed the story like a serial novel, not proactively going out and finding clues.
This is a romance, but Elijah and Mason have little conflict in their relationship. Mason has trouble with his psychic "gift", but Elijah is willing to help. Cyrus and Lewis have a bit more conflict, but it wasn't resolved to my satisfaction in the story.
The town is one of those sweet supernatural sanctuaries, and they're also open-minded about same sex relationships. If you want a low angst story about a place where everyone is accepted, you might like this story.
February 1, 2023
Mason is a psychic. He has never been comfortable with his ability. Taking some time out to visit his great great uncle’s hometown didn’t prepare him for Elijah. Finding out the man he was attracted to was a werewolf should of bothered him more, shouldn’t it?
Mason’s reaction to all the unusual people and odd happenings really had no spark. The story, while interesting, was almost too laid back.
The romance seemed like an afterthought. The main focus of the book was the mystery of the bookshop and those questions were answered.
I liked both main characters and the journal was an effective way to tell Lewis’ story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Mason’s reaction to all the unusual people and odd happenings really had no spark. The story, while interesting, was almost too laid back.
The romance seemed like an afterthought. The main focus of the book was the mystery of the bookshop and those questions were answered.
I liked both main characters and the journal was an effective way to tell Lewis’ story.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
February 8, 2023
Kedgetown holds many secrets and I can't wait for more in the series to learn about other people in the town. It's clear that in this series Anne Barwell is going to get the chance to use her skill at writing historical romance, combine that with the paranormal and show how past events impact contemporary characters. We have the bookshop Postscript which is a delight for any bibliophile to read about and two characters in Mason and Elijah with abilities they are initially very reluctant to reveal to each other until the finding of an old journal and its story of the past resonates too strongly with them to be denied.
February 10, 2023
This cute little story reminded me of a cross between the movies the Notebook and Twighlight( no not sparkling vampires but a small town full of supernatural creatures and hog, sexy werewolves.
The romance is slow burn and sweet, there is a touch of mystery as they discover the Postscript and more about Mason’s great- great uncle Lewis that left him his house in Kedgetown
The characters are quirky and adorable.
The story is like getting 2 for 1. We slowly get Lewis and Cyrus story as the Postscript reveals itself then the main story of Kedgetown and Mason and Elijah. There are some twists and turns. It’s such a sweet romance set in a small supernatural town.
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