I gave it 5* out of 5*
I hadn’t read many fantasy novels and I wasn’t sure what to expect with Teagan Geneviene’s Atonement, Tennessee. So I was surprised how much I loved it. The author has a distinctive style of writing that is compelling; extraordinary fantasy woven around reality.
I try not to give spoilers so here’s the book’s blurb:
Esmeralda Lawton is sick of the big city. “Ralda” was betrayed until trust became a theoretical concept. So it’s a dream come true when she buys an old estate, complete with historic cemetery. Okay, she isn’t excited about the cemetery, but she’s strangely drawn to the estate. Atonement, Tennessee, a quaint town, seems like the perfect place for her. However, her new life isn’t quiet.
The house is full of antiques. Some have extraordinary properties — a brass bed causes strange dreams, and a mirror shows the truth of who you are.
A mysterious neighbor secretly watches over the graveyard. There’s more to him than meets the eye, but what? Then there’s Gwydion, owner of Fae’s Flowers. She stubbornly resists her feelings for him.
Ralda suspects that people are drawn to Atonement to, well — atone. She wonders what sins led her there. However, her ancestress made the mistakes.
Atonement is home to more than humans. Supernaturals go there too. Some have fallen far.
The protagonist, Esmeralda Lawton, is a brilliantly rounded figure; intuitive, empathetic, yet lacking in the confidence to believe in her instincts. Mostly the story is told subjectively in first person point of view, thus we learn about her from her reflections of both her past life and her present circumstances. The other characters are equally believable: the strange neighbour, Cael, the attractive Gwydion, both of whom attract Ralda in different ways, the three women who become friends; Racine, Bethany, and Lacey, the sheriff; all are brought alive on the page, both in the narrative and in Ralda’s observations
I also liked the idea of the cat, Lilith, as a character taking on distant third person narrator, as she moves around the house and the cemetery; showing the reader a different perspective on the story.
This is a superbly written book filled with subtle innuendos of the reality of Atonement Tennessee; of the inhabitants’ existence there. Fantasy is juxtaposed with sinister reality. The denouement is more than satisfactory – yet left me wondering if there could be a sequel. I hope so.
The author’s writing style is accessible; the mysterious plot is fascinating and immediately draws the reader in, there are wonderful descriptions of settings; evocative imagery of the house and cemetery, brilliantly rounded characters and compelling internal and spoken dialogue from different points of view. What more could a reader ask? This is a book I absolutely recommend.
Find the book here:
Amazon.co.uk:
Amazon.co,:
Just as an aside I thought you might like to watch the trailer I found of Teagan Geneviene’s Atonement, Tennessee. It portrays a tantalising hint of the story. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koggOn6vcDs#t=57
I loved this book too!
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Thank you kindly Barb. 🙂 Great big hug.
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Reblogged this on Barrow Blogs: .
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Dear Judith… You just took my breath away. I had no idea you would be reviewing my novel. And such a compelling review it is! ❤
More than anything, I'm thrilled (no exaggeration, I get that giddy) when anyone likes my writing. So thank you from my heart.
Yes, I left some minor elements open, with the intention of a sequel — I just hoped I would finish faster… At any rate I'm working on it right now — "Atonement in Bloom." Here's a little trailer for it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE2uXiOsosI
Mega hugs!
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I’ve been meaning to do it for ages, so I’m sorry it took so long, Teagan. I think it shouts out for a sequel as well. Thank you for the trailer.Jx
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❤ 😀 🙂 ^^' ❤
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Pingback: My Review of Atonement, Tennessee by Teagan Geneviene | Teagan's Books
Excellent review!
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Thank you,Timothy.Jx
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Thank you for making the comment rounds, Tim. I treasure your review of Atonement too. Huge hugs
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Teagan, you’re such a good writer. Jx
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Judith Barrow with her five star review of Teagan Geneviene’s book Atonement Tennessee .. terrific.
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Thanks Sally.Jx
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Judith, amazing review for Teagan’s book. Every word so true! Teagan has a compelling writing style! Love her serial, posts and book! Chryssa
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Loved it – so glad I finally managed to review it from my list.
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Chryssa, it means a lot to me that you’re making the comment rounds. Mega hugs!
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Wonderful review, I loved the book, have read it twice now. You summed it up beautifully!!
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Thank you. I loved it.Jx
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Suzanne, you always encourage me — you can’t know just how much. Mega hugs!
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This review is excellent. As an avid follower of Teagan and all things Atonement, Tennessee, I agree with everything you say wholeheartedly….and I am also looking forward to the sequel. Janet.
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Hi Janet, glad you agree; I loved it! Jx
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It was perfect..x
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It is,Janet.Jx
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Janet you are so very kind. You and your magical hummingbirds are a wealth of comfort and encouragement. Mega hugs!
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Good..that pleases me greatly:)x
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Reblogged this on My Life as an Artist (2) and commented:
As a follower of Teagan and all things Atonement, Tennessee – I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent review of the book. Janet.
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I loved this book as well Judith. Excellent review.
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Thanks John. Loved the book.jx
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You are so kind, John. Your review of Atonement meant the world to me. Mega hugs!
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Well you must know by now I think you are a terrific writer (and person) -)
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I love Atonement, Tennessee and have been pestering Teagan since for the next book…:) Thanks, Judith, I wholeheartedly agree.
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Cheers, Olga, I loved the book. Hopefully we can encourage Teagan to finish the sequel.jx
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You have encouraged me greatly Judith. Hugs! 🐻
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So glad! Onwards and upwards, Teagan.Jx
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Thank you kindly, Olga. I cherish the review you did of Atonement too. I guess book2 is more like “Atonement in Bud” right now… and wonder how long it will take me to get it to actually be “in Bloom”! LOL
Thank you for your encouraging words. Huge hugs!
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Aha, another great book to read by a blogging sister! Thanks, Judith, for posting this review!
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Really did enjoy it, Noelle.Jx
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Thank you Noelle. You’re welcome in “Atonement, Tennessee” any time. Mega hugs!
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Fantastic review! 🙂
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Thanks Debby. Fantastic book!Jx
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🙂
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It sure made my day, Debby! Hugs
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❤ Well deserved Teag!
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Excellent review, Judith… thanks for sharing! 🙂
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Thanks, Kev.Jx
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It’s the most amazing, magical book I’ve read in, well, I can’t think of when. Teagan is amazing and I can’t wait for the sequel. Great review. 🙂
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Donna that means a lot to me — especially since I know you read a lot! Thank you so much for making the comment rounds. Mega hugs here too!
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Reblogged this on Kev's Great Indie Authors and commented:
I just had to share this most excellent review of Teagan’s book, Atonement, Tennessee on Judith’s site.
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Kev, you’re a wonder! Thanks for reblogging. Mega hugs!
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I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I adored it. Hugs!
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I did, Christoph,Jx
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Christoph you are here too? Why thank you so much for making the comment rounds. I really do appreciate it. Great big hug!
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I was going to say the same thing to you lol
I’m following you everywhere – well within reason
X
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What a lovely review! It doesn’t over exaggerate but instead gives me a sense of the novel.
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Thanks. Teagaan is a great storyteller. I love her writing style.Jx
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Thank you kindly Lilie. 🙂 If you visit my blog, I have several posts meant to help people get to know the fictional town of Atonement, TN. Happy holiday Hugs!
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Atonement is one place I got to know quite well.Jx
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