So, as I am sure you have figured out by now, if you have been reading my blog for any length of time, I am an avid reader. I have always been one. I was the kid that got in trouble, for staying up late to read. I would get caught with a flashlight and a book, under my covers, and my dad would get so frustrated. Reading has just always been my thing. I would much rather read than sleep. Of course, once the morning comes and I am exhausted, I feel a bit differently about it, but inevitably, I end up choosing reading over sleep again and again. I am always looking for new books to read, and I am lucky to have some friends who are also avid readers, and they often introduce me to new books or authors.
This is true for my friend Stephanie. She is friends with an author named Audrey Carlan. A few years ago, she started telling me about Audrey's Calendar Girl series, and how I should read them. I put it on my to read list, but never quite got around to them. They eventually made national headlines, and made it onto the NYT Best Seller's list. How amazing is that? My friend is friends with a best selling author, and long before she was a best selling author, my friend tried to tell me she was a must read author, and well, I should have listened.
Recently, Stephanie once again brought up Audrey's books to me. She tagged me in a post on Facebook, for advanced release copies of one of her upcoming books. It was for 'Sacred Serenity', Book Two in the Lotus House series. Well, this time when Stephanie told me this was a series I needed in on, I listened. I submitted a request to be considered for an ARC of the book, and crossed my fingers. Well, I owe Stephanie a HUGE thank you, because I was chosen to receive an ARC, and that led me to here. Right now, writing this post for you all to read.
I was a bit nervous at first. I realized that I was going to be reading a book, written by one of my closest friends good friend. What if I hated it?! Not only would I have to tell my friend, that I thought her friend was a horrible writer, but I would need to tell the author I thought she was horrible, and I did not want to give a review. Then I realized, you don't just become a New York Times Best Selling Author, if you write like a two year old with no grasp of plot structure. So, I dove in headfirst and read the book. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. By the end of the third chapter, I did not want to stop reading it.
Listen, the short of it.... Go out and get this book, and read it. Buy it for your Kindle or Nook. Buy a paperback or hardcover. Whatever your preference is, get this book in that prefered form. Right now, today. Seriously.
This book was a wonderful book. When I first read it, after receiving my ARC of it, I had not read the first book, and it was fine. I did not have a hard time following along or understanding the story. Now, you may want to get the first book in the series, and then read this one. That is fine. I had no issues by reading them in reversed order, this second book first.
The story is wonderful. It is wonderfully written. It is different from any other books I have read. I love when I find books that have unique plots, not ones that have been written time and time again, by various different authors, telling the basic same plot in their own words. Now, being an insatiable bookworm, that is fine with me. As long as it isn't boring or horribly written, I will read it, even if it is basically the same plot of three other books. Well, that is not what you get with this book. Audrey is a truly wonderful writer, who writes out a unique story for us to follow.
She goes so indepth, building the plot, developing the characters. It is a true joy to read. I found myself not only not wanting to put the book down, but not wanting the story to end. I wanted more, more, more. More of the story. More of the characters. More of it all. It was that deliciously captivating. It is genuinely a well written book.
I would also like to add, I am not exactly sure how she did it, but I went from being a person who was vaguely curious about yoga, to a person who absolutely must try yoga, as soon as I am able. How does one do that? I am not sure, but she did it. The way she weaved yoga into the story, so subtle, yet so front and center... Well, it did the job. I am convinced I need yoga in my life. So, be prepared, that this may also be a side effect for you.
You will love the plot. You will enjoy the story. You will fall in love with the characters. You will find yourself wanting more. You will no doubt, find yourself thanking me for telling you about this book. If you have not read anything by Audrey Carlan before, I strongly recommend you add her to your lists of authors to read. She is talented and it shines through in her books.
Now, if you are on the fence about romance novels, I think this is the one for you. She has this way of writing the romance, in a way that it isn't corny or raunchy. It is well balanced. She gives enough details, without giving too many. Plus, yes it is a sexy romance novel, but it is also a novel. It tells a story. It isn't just page after page of sexiness. There is an honest, wonderful story included. I think it is the perfect middle ground for all readers. If you hate raunchy romance novels, you will love this. If you love raunchy romance novels, you will love this. She really balances it all perfectly.
Continue reading to learn more details about the book, the author, and to enter a giveaway!!
I hope you love this book, as much as I did!! It is definitely a book worth reading!!
Don't forget to let me know what you think about it, once you have read it!!
Sacred Serenity (A Lotus House Novel)
