#Bookreviews – Ghostly Interference and Brazos Wind by Jan Sikes

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Ghostly Interference

Ghostly Interference (The White Rune Series) Kindle Edition

What Amazon says

Jag Peters has one goal in his quiet comfortable life—to keep his karma slate wiped clean. A near-miss crash with a candy apple red Harley threatens to upend his safe world. He tracks down the rider to apologize properly. Slipping into a seedy biker bar, he discovers the rider isn’t a “he”, it’s a “she”, a dark-haired beauty.

Rena Jett is a troubled soul, who lives in a rough world. She wants no part of Jag’s apology, but even while she pushes him away, she is attracted to him. When he claims to see a ghost—her brother—can she trust him? And could her brother’s final gift, a magical rune stone with the symbol for “happily ever after” have the power to heal her wounds and allow opposites to find common ground—perhaps even love?

My review

Ghostly Interference is an unusual romance between a middle class young man who has a good career in the IT industry, and a young girl who has had an unfortunate childhood and is now on her own with no family. Why I say it is unusual is that the young man, Jag, is not particularly happy in his chosen job, but is trapped by its perceived safety factor.

Jag has other talents and desires which he has swept under the carpet in his determination to play it safe and have a reliable income. It takes an unexpected encounter with Rena, a woman with a wild and free spirit, to help him along the path towards happiness and fulfilment. This is quite different from the traditional Cinderella style of romance where the poor, unhappy woman is saved by the rich and handsome prince.

There is a supernatural element in this romance but it is not scary or alarming. Rather, it is comforting in it’s message that our love never ends completely and our loved ones remain spiritually on the prereferral of our lives, watching over us.

I really enjoyed Jag as a character. He was cautious, reliable, but stuck in a rut. It was fun to watch him unwind and start to live life and discover passion, enthusiasm, and freedom. An unfortunate incident with his female boss, who is very obviously attracted to him, proves to be an enabler that allows him to break free from the trap of his well-paid job. This part made me wonder how many people remain in well paid jobs all their lives because they are scared to take a chance and try something different.

Rena is a interesting character. She has experienced the worst life has to offer, right down to losing her only brother who is the rock in her life. The author did a terrific job of making the reader really care about Rena and feel great sadness that she had experienced so much hardship and suffering as a child. Her journey to trusting Jag and gradually allowing herself to experience love and faith is very touching.

This book also touches in a natural way on some serious topics such as child abuse and discrimination. These sub-themes are not preachy or obvious, but are presented subtly in a way that gives the reader food for thought.

Purchase Ghostly Interference

Amazon US

Brazos Wind

Brazos Wind Kindle Edition

What Amazon says

War-torn drifter, Jack McClean is left with nothing but bad memories, scars, and a restless soul. When he stumbles upon a burning homestead, and an unconscious woman, beside the Clear Fork of the Brazos River, he stops to render aid. Grieving widow, Savannah Logan, sees no reason to live, and only wants to join her husband and children in their graves. But, Jack refuses to let her die. In saving her, he might somehow find redemption for himself and hope for a new tomorrow. Is it possible that both Jack and Savannah can find a new destiny in the changeable flow of the Brazos wind?

My review

Jack McClean is burned out with his life of drifting, moving, and fighting, but he hasn’t found any where to settle or anyone to create a home with. He is riding near the Brazos River when he sees smoke and, on investigation, discovers a burned down homestead. The only survivor, a woman called Savannah, is in a terrible state and he is compelled to help her.

As Savannah starts to recover and heal, she shares the sad story of the deaths of her husband and children. Although the fire was an accident, she had lost the will to live by the time it occurred.

This is a story of redemption as both Jack and Savannah rediscover reasons for living. There are hints at a potential romance although the book ends before this aspect develops.

This is a quick and pleasant read that will leave you feeling good.

Purchase Brazos Wind

Amazon US

Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

Published

75 thoughts on “#Bookreviews – Ghostly Interference and Brazos Wind by Jan Sikes”

  7. Excellent review, Robbie. I enjoy reading someone else’s review of books I’ve read to compare. I did get a little frustrated with Rena’s coworker, who stayed with her abusive biker boyfriend. I can’t quibble with that as, unfortunately, people sometimes stay with their abusers in real life.

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      1. We can all identify with flawed characters since we’re the same way. It’s how we empathize with them and perhaps even see some of our faults through their actions. Becky was an authentic character, and that is what all authors should shoot for.

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    2. That is exactly right, Pete. Women get trapped in a cycle of dependency on abusive men and also become broken down and spiritless from emotional abuse which makes it very hard for them to escape. I thought this relationship was well and realistically portrayed, sadly. I also like reading other people’s reviews of books I’ve read.

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  12. They both sound like worthy reads. I agree that many people stay in jobs they don’t like for the security. If you’re single and have no family depending on your income, its easier to make a change. But even those without other obligations can find it difficult. (K)

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  15. Two wonderful reviews, Robbie. My congratulations go out to Jan. I enjoyed Brazos Wind when I read it and I’m looking forward to Ghostly Interference. I’m hoping to start it this weekend or early next week!

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  19. Huge congrats on the great reviews, Jan. These are a constant source of validation that is very necessary for an author. I’m so proud of you, sister. Your talent is growing by leaps and bounds and I’m thrilled to have helped you along the way. When we were referred to as “the poor little Smith girls,” who knew we’d both find success. I love you more than you’ll ever know. Onward and upward. The sky’s the limit.

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    2. Thank you, sister! Yes, I often think about how we were put down as children. But it didn’t squash our spirit or creativity! Thank you so much for all of your encouragement and help along this journey. I couldn’t do it without you! I love you!

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  21. Pingback: Roberta Eaton reviews Ghostly Interference and Brazos Wind by Jan Sikes | Sue Vincent's Daily Echo

  23. Great review of Ghostly Interference, Robbie. You gave some really good insight into the book without giving away too much. I really enjoyed Brazos Wind too. A quick feel-good read. Congrats to Jan on the wonderful reviews!

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