The Spirit Within is an intoxicating story of a battered love with a unique supernatural twist.
College student, Cassandra Blakemore may seem to have the perfect life on the outside with her loving family and friends, but on the inside she harbors a terror created by her abusive boyfriend, Raleigh Nichols, who quickly sinks his way deep into the bottom of the bottle. Cassandra’s emotional strength suddenly emerges but at a price as she’s faced with her worst fear.
Battered and betrayed, she soon discovers hidden abilities while her own secrets unfold. As if levitation, telekinesis and premonitions weren’t enough, what else is Cassandra Blakemore hiding?
*Reviewed by Andrea Staunton.*
“When I volunteered to do this month’s book review, the editor told me, “ok, you can review your favorite book.” After some consideration, I chose the one that I had just proofread for Spero Publishing. It replaces a number of older novels as one that I will read over and over at bedtime.
The Spirit Within is Ms. Parker’s first book. This fact is not evident in her writing, which is more sophisticated than one would expect from a first time author. This enhances the experience, and makes the book file hard to close at bedtime. It is written in the first person, a convention that I sometimes dislike, but I was able to easily overlook this due to the quality of the writing. The structure and wording is engaging; it is neither preachy nor overly talkative, and is ideal for teen and adult readers who read for the sheer joy of reading.
The familiar enough story is that of Cassandra Blakemore, a young adult who experiences college, an abusive alcoholic boyfriend, and self-destructiveness in the form of dropping out of college and getting a menial job, followed by returning to the abuser. When the worthless boyfriend, (Raleigh Nichols) finds her, she returns to him with such readiness that one wonders if the book isn’t at least a little autobiographical. If it is not, then the author has cared deeply for a young woman who did endure the well-known cycle of abuse and apology.
For a familiar story, The Spirit Within has a few entertaining plot twists. Pay careful attention to Cassandra’s uncle and to the new friends that she makes after fleeing college and Raleigh. There is more than meets the eye there; the developments are well executed and they make the ever-necessary suspension of disbelief enjoyable and easy.
The novel is, of course, replete with romance, girl talk, and hashing out of emotions. This in no way detracts from its quality or value; in fact, I wondered several times if the conversations were ones that the author had had in real life and then committed to electronic memory. Of course, there is a romance and some talk of feelings; the author is a woman and was not trying to create the latest action yarn for teen age boys and middle aged male accountants. Men who read it might understand their wives a little better.
The Spirit Within will be a positive addition to the collection of any avid reader. I value my copy highly, and I give the work 4.4 of 5 stars.”
This book is very well written with multiple twist .as the book progresses your focus on the characters change only to end with…
” Well I didn’t see that coming “..great book Sheila.
This is a typical story, the woman battered by her boyfriend who seeks a new life and finds a new love. However, this book is unique in having two unusual twists; one is supernatural, and one is more mundane.
When I started reading it I couldn’t stop. I read it all in one sitting. Truly awesome! I love the story line and the characters. Looking forward to reading more from this author. Awesome giveaway!
I had won a signed copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
The story is about Cassandra Blakemore aka Cassy who is a college-going young girl who endures an abusive & alcoholic boyfriend. After one particular incident she had to run away from home to escape his abuse & in turn drop out of college. In her quest to start a fresh chapter in her life she had to take up a menial job to make ends meet. In certain turn of events, she returns to her abusive boyfriend, but regrets her decision within no time. This oh-so-familiar story though simple has some interesting twists & if attention is paid to the little details the novel is worth a read.
Full review here – http://dreamzandclouds.wordpress.com/…
Book details here – The Spirit Within
The Spirit Within is full of so many different emotions plus it includes the supernatural. It really makes the reader feel like they’re the one experiencing everything that the main character, Cassy, goes through. One minute she’s extremely happy then the next her world is turned completely upside down because she’s faced with some serious life-altering changes. Cassy is such a strong and courageous young woman. I loved this book!
Cris B. rated it
5 of 5 stars
Great book! I couldn’t put it down from the moment I started reading it until the end. The style of writing is clear, direct and vivid with very robust imagination. As I was reading, the writer gave me the opportunity to experience a variety of emotions, keeping me engaged as if I was the main character. I look forward to another book by this author.
Love this book! Hope Sheila gets another one out soon. A book you don’t want to put down. She writes what really happens in real life. Hurry and get another one out, not just me, there’s others waiting for another book from you. A five star from me!!!
Got The Spirit Within at a book signing over the weekend. Couldn’t put it down. Loved it! Can’t wait for the sequel to come out!
Fantastic read!
I have to admit that this book was really good. The way it relates to real life situations combined with the supernatural was very impressive. It definitely draws the reader in. I recommend it to anyone.
Great plot! It was awesome. Loved the story, loved the characters!
For more wonderful reviews, please visit Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17342422-the-spirit-within
Find THE SPIRIT WITHIN on Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/The-Spirit-Within-Sheila-Parker/dp/130027056X
The Spirit Within by Sheila Renee Parker.
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SHEILA RENEE PARKER 