Beautifully Broken: Spellbound Book 1 (Spellbound Series) [Paperback]

Sherry Soule (Author), Parajunkee Designs (Cover Design)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 29, 2011 | Series: Spellbound Series

They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn't even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch's curse.

When sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That's where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan. But Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list, and Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him. Complicated much?

After receiving cryptic messages from a creepy wraith, and then frightening threats from a demon, Shiloh finally begins to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist. Now Shiloh must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.

Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Insert magic with a twist of "Charmed," and this pop culture read was seriously fun and entertaining.

Shiloh has it pretty tough. She has an estranged relationship with her mom, and no one to confide in about the strange things that are happening to her. When Evans, an older father figure became her mentor, it was just like Buffy and Giles. And Shiloh and Trent's relationship was steamy to the max. I just loved their banter and physical attraction. Major swoon. It definitely makes me want to read the next installment. --YA Bound Reviews, Aug 8, 2011

Sherry Soule is not scared to jump right into the action!

BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN is an intriguing book with a great twist on the popular paranormal theme. Shiloh's internal dialog kept me laughing out loud and I'm sure it's something my teen will be able to relate to. I can't wait to see if, and how, Shiloh fulfills her destiny. --The Romance Reviews, Aug 3, 2011

Thrilling and intense. This book reminds me of a scary movie that you are watching and you are shouting at the main character: "DON'T LOOK BEHIND THAT DOOR!" A real page-turner. You never know what is going to happen next. I love that it was so unpredictable. The Spellbound Series is one that I am anxiously awaiting the next book! --Young Adult Book Reviews, July 11,2011

Fun, scary, and very engaging, this is a book you are going to want to read! As soon as I started this book, I knew I loved it. Drawn in by amazing writing, I fell right into the story. What I like most about this book is the great plot line. I love small towns that hold secrets just waiting to be unfolded. Not to mention that the main character is a witch. I really like that towards the end, it exploded in front of you with all the secrets exposed and action going on. An engaging and intriguing book! --Books with Bite, Aug 12, 2011

The story was written well, and the main character had a great voice.

The small town, Whispering Pines, had a dark history full of magic, ghosts, and people disappearing. Many of the people and places seemed to me to have something to hide.I did laugh a few times at her snarky attitude, loved when she thought, "cryptic much?" Because I was thinking the same thing.
The characters had rich histories, and the house of Ravenhurst was a quite a character itself. It was a bit darker than most YA I have read, but then again, as a mother of teens, I think they would like that. --Authors by Authors Reviews, Sept 5, 2011

Product Details

• Paperback: 342 pages
• Publisher: Moonlight Publishing; No Edition Stated edition (June 29, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 061550812X
• ISBN-13: 978-0615508122
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,846,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sherry Soule is the author of the popular young adult series, "Spellbound." She writes urban fantasy, which includes elements of mystery, romance, fantasy, and suspense for teens and adults. She considers her writing to be PG-13. Sherry lives with her family and one very spoiled black cat in California's San Francisco Bay Area.

Sherry Soule's debut novel, "BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN" was nominated for Best Paranormal Romance in the Wizard and Witch/Sorcery (2011) category by The Romance Reviews ("TRR").

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Spell Binding! August 20, 2011

By Jennifer hearts the STL Cardinals

Format:Paperback

I was sent an email from the author asking if I would read and review Beautifully Broken. As I was skimming the email the very first thing that drew me to this read was the cover...Stunning! Then I read the description, ok a book about a witch, curse, haunted house. Been done a million times right? Well not the way Sherry Soule has done it. It felt to me that a ton of research and background went into this story. I would think as an adult to write in the "voice" of a teenager and portray their feelings would be difficult but Sherry did a great job. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, characters, and setting.
Shiloh, known as the town "weirdo", is from a long line of heritage witches but has no idea. She knows she can do some odd things but is not clued in to her powers. The town she lives in, Whispering Pines, is thought to be cursed and the town eye sore Ravenhurst Mansion is thought to be haunted. When sexy Trent Donovan, whose lives in Ravenhurst Mansion, moves back to town, Shiloh is smitten with love at first sight. After answering an add for a summer job at the haunted mansion, Shiloh meets Trent's uncle Evans, who knows she has powers and becomes her mentor. There is a dark evil lurking in the mansion is being blamed for the disappearance of some of the town's teens. It is up to Shiloh to save herself and her friends from being added to the list of those missing, the figure out how to rid the town of it's curse, and defeat the evil residing there.
At first I was getting kind of annoyed with the back and forth between Shiloh and Trent and her "does he like me or not" thoughts. I kept thinking how many times does he have to tell you he likes you??? Then I thought back to my teenage years and was able to understand where Shiloh was coming from.... The first few chapters were a little redundant. For example, lots of repeating about Shiloh not seeing her grandparents or aunt since her tenth birthday party and why. But about half way through the story really started rolling. I especially enjoyed the last 100 or so pages. By that point I was already wanting to jump right into book two that is not even out yet!). I think the characters played out perfectly. There were plenty of surprises throughout that gave me quite a shock, and I love that in a story. I think not only Sherry Soule but her Spellbound series have a lot of potential and cannot wait to read more. I am excited for book two as the end left some unfinished business. A great YA paranormal read that I highly recommend! Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Full of mystery! July 23, 2011

By Lisa

Format:Paperback

Shiloh Ravenwolf is a powerful witch, as the thirteenth daughter of the Broussard family. The daughter who the prophecy says will be able to lift the dark curse blanketing the town of Whispering Pines. Before Shiloh learns of her powers, she finds that she can see supernatural beings, evil shadows in the dark that seek to harm her. It is revealed that this all began the day she tried to commit suicide, leaving a scar along her forearm in the shape of a knife. Shiloh can see auras, a person's true nature in the form of colours, and soon learns that she is harbouring more talents than she initially thought. Why has her mother ignored her since she turned thirteen? Something shady's going on......

Beautifully Broken catapults us into Shiloh's everyday life, showing us the stiff interaction between her mother and herself, before the family is whisked away to church. There, she sets her sights on a gorgeous boy around her age, someone she is unfamiliar with. The two immediately form a connection from across the Chapel, unable to stop seeking peeks at the other. I honestly believe that Trent Donovan has one of the best "love interest entrances" I've ever read. Stunningly gorgeous with hypnotic green eyes, a leather jacket and sexy Mustang... *faints* Though I was a bit unsure about their lightning quick forming of a relationship, you can't deny the smoking moments between them. Sometimes I would be all for their teasing and playful relationship, but then Shiloh would act a little crazily, argue with Trent, leave, and then Trent would text the next day asking if she wanted to hang out. That was a little strange...

This novel is filled with mystery, whether about the Ravenhurst Manor (where Trent lives), Shiloh's powers, her parents' suspicious behaviour or the frightening murders.... I would've liked to see more focus on this part of the story but overall there was a nice blend of supernatural and romance. The only criticism I have about the novel is the characterisation, but all in all, Beautifully Broken is an interesting read which will entertain those who enjoy this genre. Read more ›

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully creepy YA romance July 22, 2011

By Tishia

Format:Paperback

This is a wonderful YA book! Beautifully Broken is the first book in Sherry Soule's Spellbound series. The story follows Shiloh, a 16 year-old witch who is just learning about her powers. Not only is she dealing with that, but she also has the unfortunate ability to see ghosts and demons. She lives in the very creepy town of Whispering Pines, where people just mysteriously vanish.

My favorite thing about this book was the romance that develops between Shiloh and Trent. They just have this connection, and they were instantly attracted to each other. That passion was definitely sizzling. I think the relationship was realistic though. There were awkward moments, sweet moments, passionate moments, and there were also times where they would argue. Their relationship felt very natural and not forced at all.

I really liked Shiloh, she's had a hard life. A lot of things happen in this book that most teenagers wouldn't be able to handle. She troops through it all though. She is brave, selfless, and snarky. She's a character that I think a lot of teens can look up to.

I thought the writing in this book was great. The book kept me hooked, I didn't want to put it down. There were so many events and emotions going on. The book was very mysterious, and definitely had a creepy factor going on. It might be something you won't want to read right before bed if you have an overactive imagination when the lights go out like I do. There were some very sad moments as well, but the sweet romance gave the book good balance. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in ghosts, witchcraft, paranormal, etc... Sherry Soule has an enthusiastic new fan and I'm dying to read the next book in this series!