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Book Reviewed by:A psychic on the verge of stardom who isn't sure she believes in herself and a cynical journalist with one last chance at redemption are brought together by secrets from the past that also threaten to tear them apart.
Psychic-medium Sylvie Young starts every show with her origin story, telling the audience how she discovered her abilities. But she leaves out a lot—the plane crash that killed her parents, an estranged adoptive family who tend orchards in rainy Oregon, panic attacks, and the fact that her agent insists she research some clients to ensure success.
After a catastrophic reporting error, Thomas Holmes's next story at the L.A. Times may be his last, but he's got a great personal pitch. "Grief vampires" like Sylvie who prey upon the loved ones of the deceased have bankrupted his mother. He's dead set on using his last-chance article to expose Sylvie as a conniving fraud and resurrect his career.
When Sylvie and Thomas collide, a game of cat and mouse ensues, but the secrets they're keeping from each other are nothing compared to the mysteries and lies they unearth about Sylvie's past. Searching for the truth might destroy them both—but it's the only way to find out what's real.
One
Sylvie
The outfit is the easy part. It was chosen by a style consultant hired by my agent to create an image. I slip on a sleeveless black silk jumpsuit with crystals along the edge of a plunging neckline, fasten strappy heels and diamond hoop earrings, and slide a platinum ring whose sapphire stones form an infinity symbol on my index finger. On cue, my stomach cramps and I rush into the bathroom, grip the cold porcelain, and lose a late lunch. Moose whimpers then rests his blocky head on my shoulder. He's a 145-pound Great Dane, but despite his size, he's a big baby. "I'm good. Promise."
A kiss between Moose's eyes; swish of mouthwash then I return to the mirror, sweep my dark brown hair into a glossy chignon. On goes a light coat of foundation, blush, eye shadow, dark gray liner, false lashes, and red lipstick. One final look confirms everything is in place. I swivel my chair and rifle through last-minute reminders. When the phone rings, there's no need to check caller ID. My ...
Sylvie and Thomas are believable characters because the author displays their good and bad traits with great timing and good emotional response (windellh). This is not a romance although there is a relationship. It is more of a dual coming-of-age in early adulthood for two people, each with a traumatic past. There is also a family saga involved for each of them. Along with some very poignant animal companion moments. I did cry at one point (Peggy T). The two main characters set off traveling together, both with bad intent, filled with animosity and hate. As they delve into the past, they each end up sharing their basic humanity and vulnerability with the other even though their cross-purposes continue. An intriguing, engaging read (Samantha H)...continued
Full Review
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(Reviewed by First Impressions Reviewers).
New York Times bestselling author Andrea Bartz
Fresh, surprising, and compulsively readable, Some of It Was Real sucked me right in with its rich characters, sparkling wit, and captivating story arc. This debut is more than a page-turner; it's an unflinching exploration of identity, trauma, and transcending the past, and it kept me riveted all the way up to its jaw-dropping conclusion. Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author
Some of It Was Real had everything I love—characters I was rooting for and an intriguing premise that kept me guessing. The ending had me turning the final pages at a breakneck speed. You will simply love this book. USA Today bestselling author Colleen Oakley
The perfect blend of mystery and love story, Some of It Was Real kept me guessing and turning pages way past my bedtime, all the way to its shocking denouement. An absolute must-read.
In Nan Fischer's novel Some of It Was Real, psychic-medium entertainer Sylvie Young comes under the scrutiny of Thomas Holmes, a reporter determined to expose her as a "grief vampire" who takes advantage of people mourning loved ones. Whether or not you believe their claims of clairvoyance and communication with the dead are real or sincere, self-identified psychics like Sylvie are in high demand, and the performances and services they provide make up a multi-million dollar industry in the United States.
Professional psychic performers can be seen on television shows and in advertisements for psychic hotlines, which give the option of calling a number to talk to someone who can allegedly provide insight about the future. Some ...
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