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My Heart, His Soul
“I stopped dead in my tracks, staring at the stranger that I thought was the most perfect, most beautiful thing in the world.”
Foreboding. Captivating. And strangely irresistible …
Caught amidst an inevitable fate, Abigail needs to make the right decisions when she gets ensnared into a secret society no one knew existed. No one, except her best friend and an oddly enticing stranger, but after all is said and done, who will be bearing the consequences?
The truth could kill you …
Foreboding. Captivating. And strangely irresistible …
Caught amidst an inevitable fate, Abigail needs to make the right decisions when she gets ensnared into a secret society no one knew existed. No one, except her best friend and an oddly enticing stranger, but after all is said and done, who will be bearing the consequences?
The truth could kill you …
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2010
9 people want to read
About the author
Loraine Lotter
2 books10 followersThere are a lot of words to describe the type of person I am, but if you know me, and I mean really know me, you’d most probably find me funny, level-headed, easy to get along with and maybe even a bit shy, which is true, in some sense.
I’ve grown up as a pretty normal and happy girl in South Africa. Though I’ve moved around a lot, changed schools a couple of times and lost someone extremely close to my heart, I’ve never been someone that would use their circumstances and setbacks as an excuse not to live life to the fullest. I’ve grown and learnt that failure should not discourage you, but make you a stronger, more confident person.
After graduating from high school in 2009, I decided to take a gap year before starting my Art and Graphic design course, which led me to staying with my dear mom and stepdad for a year, and, because they live halfway across the globe in the green alien-country called Ireland, I used the opportunity to gain more self-confidence and develop my people skills. (Don’t get me wrong, I know how to talk to people, it’s meeting strangers that scares the hell out of me!)
It was when I was in Ireland that I first started writing and, after about 5 or 6 months of fulfilling my quest, my first full-length YA novel – My heart, his soul – was finished and published as an Ebook on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com. I’ve always had a passion for writing, mainly only noting down poems and short stories, but it was only after I started the Heart and Soul saga that I fully grasped how much I actually enjoyed using my imagination as my guide. I am also proud to add that my novel is now published with Memories SA and is available in traditional book format!!!
All in all, you could say I’m a real happy and lovable person. I don’t usually hold grudges, slag people off, highlight people’s negatives or stab friends in the back. It’s against my nature. So, if you want to know me, talk to me! I won’t bite. Self-expression does not come from hurting people, but from sharing who you are with the world around you. As I’ve learnt; the world is your oyster, so here I am!
I’ve grown up as a pretty normal and happy girl in South Africa. Though I’ve moved around a lot, changed schools a couple of times and lost someone extremely close to my heart, I’ve never been someone that would use their circumstances and setbacks as an excuse not to live life to the fullest. I’ve grown and learnt that failure should not discourage you, but make you a stronger, more confident person.
After graduating from high school in 2009, I decided to take a gap year before starting my Art and Graphic design course, which led me to staying with my dear mom and stepdad for a year, and, because they live halfway across the globe in the green alien-country called Ireland, I used the opportunity to gain more self-confidence and develop my people skills. (Don’t get me wrong, I know how to talk to people, it’s meeting strangers that scares the hell out of me!)
It was when I was in Ireland that I first started writing and, after about 5 or 6 months of fulfilling my quest, my first full-length YA novel – My heart, his soul – was finished and published as an Ebook on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com. I’ve always had a passion for writing, mainly only noting down poems and short stories, but it was only after I started the Heart and Soul saga that I fully grasped how much I actually enjoyed using my imagination as my guide. I am also proud to add that my novel is now published with Memories SA and is available in traditional book format!!!
All in all, you could say I’m a real happy and lovable person. I don’t usually hold grudges, slag people off, highlight people’s negatives or stab friends in the back. It’s against my nature. So, if you want to know me, talk to me! I won’t bite. Self-expression does not come from hurting people, but from sharing who you are with the world around you. As I’ve learnt; the world is your oyster, so here I am!
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 3, 2010
My Heart, His Soul has a much more realistic main character then most of the other young adult novels around today. The Author does an excellent job of writing a character that is at first not very likeable (belittling her family etc.) but ultimately both relatable and likeable. It’s very refreshing to read a book from someone’s point of view, where they do occasionally have selfish thought or make the wrong choices but that doesn't make them a "bad" person. Another strong point to this book is the love "triangle" and this may just be a personal thing but usually in books there is always a clear "winner" but I kept jumping between Gab and Derrick which made the book so much more enjoyable. Besides the only thing hotter then one mystery man is two mystery men right? And as for the supernatural twist Very Original!! But I’m not going to say anymore you will just have to read it and see for your self...
January 6, 2011
MY HEART, HIS SOUL
By Loraine Lotter
I’m so glad I was able to review Loraine’s book. It’s very easy to read and the action progresses at varying rates, picking up the pace in the middle and certainly toward the end.
“My Heart, His Soul” tells the story from 17 year-old Abigail’s (or Abi, or Abs) POV. I admit she didn’t endear herself to me at first, treating her doting parents in an impatient, unloving way (and referring to the party they were holding for her as "lousy")but the reason for her attitude soon became apparent: she was very recently involved in a traffic accident in which the driver died but she miraculously survived with just a broken wrist. And the spooky thing is, she’s convinced that “something” saved her. This eerie feeling is compounded when she experiences disturbing dreams.
Abi’s also not the most loving to her wannabe boyfriend, Gabriel, who, apparently, is everyone’s idea of a “hunk”. Yet Abi just can’t see him as anything other than a friend, her best friend, Calleigh, says he “smells”, and he is just that little bit over-protective. Hmm…something’s not quite as it seems... Loraine knows how to bring out the suspense by dropping such hints throughout the story so that the reader knows that all is not hunky-dory, a creepy feeling that kept me wanting to know more.
And then everything changes: for those who like the premise of Stephanie Meyers’s books, but aren’t too fond of vampires, then Loraine’s book is for you. Apart from the lack of vampires, there are many other difference:
- instead of vampires, the book is populated by creatures that Loraine calls “souls”;
- Loraine manages to portray what’s going on inside an angst-filled 17 year-old’s head much better than Meyers which brought to mind when my hormones were running rampant too;
- Abi is not at all insipid, in fact she’s feisty, opinionated and out-spoken;
- the “souls” are not at all perfect. Sure, they’re good looking (Derrick – Abi’s love-interest - has sapphire blue eyes and holds himself like a Greek God, “too elegant for his age”) but they’re so flawed that I don’t believe that Derrick and Abi are ever going to be the “perfect couple” (I think, but I might be wrong).
There are some similarities:
- the “souls” don’t age;
- for some reason, the ones who remain around 17 or 18 like going to school (well, it gets them off the streets, I suppose);
- they like to live in groups (there goes the neighborhood).
There are some very kind, good ones (such as Gabriel and Derrick) but there are some very, very bad ones. Oh yes siree.
And Derrick? He is not the same as the rest of the soul community, there’s something very unique about him. And I’m not going to reveal here what that great difference is. Go and read the book to find out, you’ll be surprised.
Loraine’s a good story-teller who kept me wanting to read on, right to the end. She leaves this novel on a climax so that you want to buy the next one in the series to find out what’s going to happen. You’ll be very happy reading it snuggled up in front of the fire and wondering why you never met any hunky “souls” to hang out with because they’re never ever going to suck your blood.
By Loraine Lotter
I’m so glad I was able to review Loraine’s book. It’s very easy to read and the action progresses at varying rates, picking up the pace in the middle and certainly toward the end.
“My Heart, His Soul” tells the story from 17 year-old Abigail’s (or Abi, or Abs) POV. I admit she didn’t endear herself to me at first, treating her doting parents in an impatient, unloving way (and referring to the party they were holding for her as "lousy")but the reason for her attitude soon became apparent: she was very recently involved in a traffic accident in which the driver died but she miraculously survived with just a broken wrist. And the spooky thing is, she’s convinced that “something” saved her. This eerie feeling is compounded when she experiences disturbing dreams.
Abi’s also not the most loving to her wannabe boyfriend, Gabriel, who, apparently, is everyone’s idea of a “hunk”. Yet Abi just can’t see him as anything other than a friend, her best friend, Calleigh, says he “smells”, and he is just that little bit over-protective. Hmm…something’s not quite as it seems... Loraine knows how to bring out the suspense by dropping such hints throughout the story so that the reader knows that all is not hunky-dory, a creepy feeling that kept me wanting to know more.
And then everything changes: for those who like the premise of Stephanie Meyers’s books, but aren’t too fond of vampires, then Loraine’s book is for you. Apart from the lack of vampires, there are many other difference:
- instead of vampires, the book is populated by creatures that Loraine calls “souls”;
- Loraine manages to portray what’s going on inside an angst-filled 17 year-old’s head much better than Meyers which brought to mind when my hormones were running rampant too;
- Abi is not at all insipid, in fact she’s feisty, opinionated and out-spoken;
- the “souls” are not at all perfect. Sure, they’re good looking (Derrick – Abi’s love-interest - has sapphire blue eyes and holds himself like a Greek God, “too elegant for his age”) but they’re so flawed that I don’t believe that Derrick and Abi are ever going to be the “perfect couple” (I think, but I might be wrong).
There are some similarities:
- the “souls” don’t age;
- for some reason, the ones who remain around 17 or 18 like going to school (well, it gets them off the streets, I suppose);
- they like to live in groups (there goes the neighborhood).
There are some very kind, good ones (such as Gabriel and Derrick) but there are some very, very bad ones. Oh yes siree.
And Derrick? He is not the same as the rest of the soul community, there’s something very unique about him. And I’m not going to reveal here what that great difference is. Go and read the book to find out, you’ll be surprised.
Loraine’s a good story-teller who kept me wanting to read on, right to the end. She leaves this novel on a climax so that you want to buy the next one in the series to find out what’s going to happen. You’ll be very happy reading it snuggled up in front of the fire and wondering why you never met any hunky “souls” to hang out with because they’re never ever going to suck your blood.
October 24, 2011
My heart, his soul…the first novel in the Heart and Soul saga by author Loraine Lotter is a well written, fictional novel for the young adult or the young at heart. It starts off with the seventeenth birthday party of a typical rebellious teenager by the name of Abigail, better known to her friends as Abi. Abi doesn’t have a lot of patience for family gatherings. She succeeds in exiting the scene when her father gives her his nod of approval. She manages to arrange a trip to the racetrack with her good friend Gabriel. Gab would much prefer to be more than just Abi’s friend but she has no interest in complicating their friendship by putting it at risk by ever entertaining the idea of any kind of romance. At the racetrack, a handsome young man catches Abi’s eye.
Needless to say, she is very enthralled when she discovers at the beginning of the new school year that he is attending the same school as she and her friends. His handsome looks and incredible sapphire eyes not only capture Abi’s interest but also the attention of her best friend Calleigh. This turn of events is certain to create the typical teenage jealousy and animosity. The new boys name is Derrick and he appears to have an aura about him that Abi can’t quite put her finger on. At seventeen, he lives alone with his brother but other than that, very little is known about him. Gab has made it very plain to Abi that he does not want her to have any kind of relationship with Derrick but Abi is mystified as to the reason why. At first she thinks it is jealousy but she soon realizes it is far more than that.
There are many unanswered questions about Derrick’s apparent secrecy and private life. This is when the novel takes an unexpected turn as an intriguing sci-fi twist is added to the plot of this captivating read. Loraine Lotter, then methodically lets the plot of My heart, his soul, unravel in order to entice her readers into wanting more. The conclusion acts as a cliff-hanger for the sequel, The Betrayal, in the Heart and Soul saga.
Needless to say, she is very enthralled when she discovers at the beginning of the new school year that he is attending the same school as she and her friends. His handsome looks and incredible sapphire eyes not only capture Abi’s interest but also the attention of her best friend Calleigh. This turn of events is certain to create the typical teenage jealousy and animosity. The new boys name is Derrick and he appears to have an aura about him that Abi can’t quite put her finger on. At seventeen, he lives alone with his brother but other than that, very little is known about him. Gab has made it very plain to Abi that he does not want her to have any kind of relationship with Derrick but Abi is mystified as to the reason why. At first she thinks it is jealousy but she soon realizes it is far more than that.
There are many unanswered questions about Derrick’s apparent secrecy and private life. This is when the novel takes an unexpected turn as an intriguing sci-fi twist is added to the plot of this captivating read. Loraine Lotter, then methodically lets the plot of My heart, his soul, unravel in order to entice her readers into wanting more. The conclusion acts as a cliff-hanger for the sequel, The Betrayal, in the Heart and Soul saga.
October 7, 2011
A book review by Chris Hattingh October 3rd, 2011
Title: My heart, his soul
Author: Loraine Lotter
Although young adult romance/fiction isn’t really my thing (I’m more of an epic fantasy lover….think Tolkien) I have to say that I couldn’t put this book down once I had started reading it. There is just enough fantasy in it to appeal to someone with my literary preferences, and keep my interest from cover to cover. And I must confess, I also enjoyed the romance aspect of things as well…..
The plot line is full of intriguing twists and turns, and the characters are believable and well developed. The main character’s name is Abi (short for Abigail) and the story begins with her seventeenth birthday party, at which she is an unwilling participant. The tension between her and her family becomes too smothering for her and she quickly excuses herself from her own party and calls her friend Gab (short for Gabriel) who comes and picks her up and takes her to a stock car race.
At the race she makes eye contact with a tall, dark haired handsome stranger with piercing blue eyes. They exchange a couple of words and then he is gone. She doesn’t even know his name, but she can’t stop thinking about him. Their paths are about to cross again though…when the new school term starts and they find themselves in the same English class. She finds out his name is Derrick. A budding romance ensues, but there is something unusual about Derrick.
It turns out Derrick has a secret, one with a deadly twist - his body and soul have been ripped apart after a run-in with the Solless, a secret supernatural society, leaving his soul with supernatural abilities beyond belief.
After an epic struggle with the Sôlless Gab ends up as their prisoner, and a plan is hatched by Abi and her friends to try and rescue him. I can’t wait to read the next book in the “Heart and Soul saga” series.
Title: My heart, his soul
Author: Loraine Lotter
Although young adult romance/fiction isn’t really my thing (I’m more of an epic fantasy lover….think Tolkien) I have to say that I couldn’t put this book down once I had started reading it. There is just enough fantasy in it to appeal to someone with my literary preferences, and keep my interest from cover to cover. And I must confess, I also enjoyed the romance aspect of things as well…..
The plot line is full of intriguing twists and turns, and the characters are believable and well developed. The main character’s name is Abi (short for Abigail) and the story begins with her seventeenth birthday party, at which she is an unwilling participant. The tension between her and her family becomes too smothering for her and she quickly excuses herself from her own party and calls her friend Gab (short for Gabriel) who comes and picks her up and takes her to a stock car race.
At the race she makes eye contact with a tall, dark haired handsome stranger with piercing blue eyes. They exchange a couple of words and then he is gone. She doesn’t even know his name, but she can’t stop thinking about him. Their paths are about to cross again though…when the new school term starts and they find themselves in the same English class. She finds out his name is Derrick. A budding romance ensues, but there is something unusual about Derrick.
It turns out Derrick has a secret, one with a deadly twist - his body and soul have been ripped apart after a run-in with the Solless, a secret supernatural society, leaving his soul with supernatural abilities beyond belief.
After an epic struggle with the Sôlless Gab ends up as their prisoner, and a plan is hatched by Abi and her friends to try and rescue him. I can’t wait to read the next book in the “Heart and Soul saga” series.
October 18, 2010
My Heart, His Soul is a love story at it’s core. The author begins telling a good coming of age story about a young girl in high school, “Abigail,” and how she quickly develops a crush on a new boy named “Derrick.” The story is further complicated by another boy Abigail has known named “Gabriel.” Gabriel also has a crush on Abigail and thus the love triangle is established. The author tells a good story concerning these three, and also tosses in Abigail’s best friend, “Calleigh.”
After establishing these relationships, the author then moves on to toss in a bit of science fiction. There’s something different about Derrick, and things change in the story quickly. While the coming of age story seemed strong to me, the science fiction parts almost sometimes felt tacked on. The author did a brilliant job describing Abigail’s emotions, and relationships through out the story, but the sci-fi bits just didn’t seem to fit as well. I also felt that the author revealed a bit too much about the sci-fi bits too early in the story. Once things began to be revealed, it seemed like the author wanted to reveal everything in only several pages.
Now that I’ve said my bit about what I thought were the good and bad parts about this story, I will say that it was a very good book! It does end with a cliffhanger, and makes you wonder what will happen in the next book. The author has a talent for writing the coming of age story, and I do wish she would have simply stuck to that. But even with the sci-fi element, it was a good book. The author has quite a bit of talent, and it does show. I think with a bit more writing experience, we can look forward to some fantastic stories from her! I’ll look forward to reading the next story in the series. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult fiction.
After establishing these relationships, the author then moves on to toss in a bit of science fiction. There’s something different about Derrick, and things change in the story quickly. While the coming of age story seemed strong to me, the science fiction parts almost sometimes felt tacked on. The author did a brilliant job describing Abigail’s emotions, and relationships through out the story, but the sci-fi bits just didn’t seem to fit as well. I also felt that the author revealed a bit too much about the sci-fi bits too early in the story. Once things began to be revealed, it seemed like the author wanted to reveal everything in only several pages.
Now that I’ve said my bit about what I thought were the good and bad parts about this story, I will say that it was a very good book! It does end with a cliffhanger, and makes you wonder what will happen in the next book. The author has a talent for writing the coming of age story, and I do wish she would have simply stuck to that. But even with the sci-fi element, it was a good book. The author has quite a bit of talent, and it does show. I think with a bit more writing experience, we can look forward to some fantastic stories from her! I’ll look forward to reading the next story in the series. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys young adult fiction.
November 9, 2010
Enjoyed the text right from the beginning (the table of contents)! I love anything succinct, and the chapter titles were just that (without giving too much away).
I liked the realistic, emotive aspects of the story too. Fans of young adult fiction would likely consider this a strong factor of the author's writing style. The language and tone were consistent and natural (nothing too jarring, and characters' traits generally weren't too annoying, apart from the romance developing a bit quickly, but that would probably be due to my personal preferences).
There's a personal touch to the writing -- which thankfully is devoid of long-winded detailed superfluous descriptions (for example, I can't stand all sorts of sentences in between dialogue. I consider those = "filler," if not done skilfully). And while the writing is descriptive, the text does not have a tendency to verge on purple prose (another thing I dislike!) -- which added to my experience/enjoyment of the story.
I liked the realistic, emotive aspects of the story too. Fans of young adult fiction would likely consider this a strong factor of the author's writing style. The language and tone were consistent and natural (nothing too jarring, and characters' traits generally weren't too annoying, apart from the romance developing a bit quickly, but that would probably be due to my personal preferences).
There's a personal touch to the writing -- which thankfully is devoid of long-winded detailed superfluous descriptions (for example, I can't stand all sorts of sentences in between dialogue. I consider those = "filler," if not done skilfully). And while the writing is descriptive, the text does not have a tendency to verge on purple prose (another thing I dislike!) -- which added to my experience/enjoyment of the story.
January 14, 2011
I had the pleasure of reading this Twilight-inspired debut novel by Loraine Lotter and I was pleasantly surprised to find myself intrigued by the main character Abi. She is not your run of the mill boring, no personality 17 year old girl that is normally portrayed in YA novels.
Abi has a LOT of personality, she is feisty and enduring with just the right amount of attitude.
There is also a very interesting triangle, and although we have all heard this love story before Loraine rekindles it with a fresh paranormal touch that I did not see coming!
If you love Edward, Bella, and piggy-back rides through the forest, you can relive it all here!
While it doesn't quite live up to the seductive charm of its predecessor, My Heart, His Soul is a strong effort from such a young writer and I'm looking forward to seeing what she can produce as she learns, grows and hones her craft.
Abi has a LOT of personality, she is feisty and enduring with just the right amount of attitude.
There is also a very interesting triangle, and although we have all heard this love story before Loraine rekindles it with a fresh paranormal touch that I did not see coming!
If you love Edward, Bella, and piggy-back rides through the forest, you can relive it all here!
While it doesn't quite live up to the seductive charm of its predecessor, My Heart, His Soul is a strong effort from such a young writer and I'm looking forward to seeing what she can produce as she learns, grows and hones her craft.
January 4, 2011
“My heart, his soul” is a very unique story in the genre of fantasy and romance. The heroine, a typical, rebellious teenager who goes through the phase of contradicting her parents and looking up to her friends instead, depicts every girl’s anxieties as she evolves into becoming a woman. What better way is there to mature her but love? A love with the supernatural, the perfect inner element in a human being; the soul of a man.
Lorainne addresses not only teenagers who will definitely empathize with Abi as she
struggles to find her way in life, but also those who are keen on romance at the innocent age of the first heartbeats. Above all, this story meets, if not exceeds the expectations of the lovers of the fantasy and supernatural genres, with its innovative subject and a plot that makes the book a page-turner.
Lorainne addresses not only teenagers who will definitely empathize with Abi as she
struggles to find her way in life, but also those who are keen on romance at the innocent age of the first heartbeats. Above all, this story meets, if not exceeds the expectations of the lovers of the fantasy and supernatural genres, with its innovative subject and a plot that makes the book a page-turner.
August 29, 2011
"My Heart, His Soul" immediately made me think 'Young Adult book' when I began reading it. The story flows wonderfully, and the characters seem to be your typical young people. This is a great book, and very well written! My only issue with the book was that I had trouble relating to the characters. However, it struck me as a book that my younger sister, who is 18, would thoroughly enjoy.
Loraine successfully drew me into the world that she had created, and sustained an air of suspense throughout. This is a fun book, dark, and quite enjoyable. It's a shame that it is only available as an E-book; I think it would fit in well in a library's YA section.
Loraine successfully drew me into the world that she had created, and sustained an air of suspense throughout. This is a fun book, dark, and quite enjoyable. It's a shame that it is only available as an E-book; I think it would fit in well in a library's YA section.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews