Pauline Holyoak

Series: Merryweather Lodge, #2
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Released: November 1, 2011
Source: Review copy from author

It’s Christmastime at Merryweather Lodge. Emily has returned to the cottage from her home in Canada; after the untimely death of someone she loved. Will she be able to celebrate a traditional English Christmas in her aunts enchanting little cottage or will she be tormented by the hideous creature, again? Was Emily’s attempt to banish her unearthly adversary successful? Will her aunt disclose the secrets she has been concealing for so many years? What will happen when Emily’s best friend comes to visit her? What secrets will she reveal? Will Emily ever get to make love to the man of her dreams? A chilling tale of love, passion, sorcery and sacrifice; laced with mystery and tied with humor. Inspired by the authors own experiences in a remote little cottage near Stonehenge.

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MALEVOLENT SPIRIT is the second amazing book in Pauline Holyoak’s eerie trilogy about the strange goings on surrounding a quaint English cottage near Stonehenge. In this book Emily returns to Merryweather Lodge for an extended visit with her Auntie Em, who owns the property. Emily quickly learns that the evil spirit of an ancient Druid priestess called Merthia is still plaguing Merryweather Lodge seeking revenge, and Merthia’s prime target is Emily.

This is a very chilling tale that kept me on the edge of my seat! The story is told from Emily’s first person point of view. Emily learns more about Merthia, and she finds out Merthia isn’t the only “malevolent spirit” haunting Merryweather Lodge. Emily’s relationship with her soul mate Jonathan deepens, and much is revealed about her best friend Skye. I think my favorite character is the colorful and quirky Auntie Em.

If you have not read the first book in the series, ANCIENT REVENGE, I highly recommend doing so before reading MALEVOLENT SPIRIT. The first book gives readers a lot of important backstory for the characters and places in book two. Plus, ANCIENT REVENGE was a sensational read as well.

My only complaint about this one? I thought that it ended abruptly. There is still much to be resolved, and I’m ready for the third book now!

Thank you to the author for providing me with a review copy.

Rating: 4½ Stars

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Series: Merryweather Lodge, #1
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Released: October 15, 2010
Source: Review copy from author

Emily couldn’t wait to visit her Aunt and Uncle in their quaint and mysterious little cottage near Stonehenge. But it doesn’t take her long to realize that her fairytale kingdom has a sinister twist. One night in her attic bedroom she is confronted by an evil entity that would taunt her for the rest of her stay and long after that. Who is this hideous creature and what does she want? When Emily meets the gorgeous Jonathan McArthur she is infatuated, consumed with lust and an odd familiarity, as if they had met before. Will he be coaxed by the peculiar old gypsy to enter the dreaded woodlot? Can the bloody ancient curse be removed before it’s too late? And will Emily ever get to feel his lips on hers? A chilling tale of love, passion, sorcery and sacrifice; laced with mystery and tied with humor. Inspired by the author’s own experiences in a remote little cottage near Stonehenge.

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Pauline Holyoak has crafted a thrilling tale of vengeful ghosts, ancient magic, secrets, betrayal, and past lives. Just a warning…don’t read this book while alone at night! There were a few spine tingling scenes that had me jumping at the slightest noise!

At 14, Emily travels from her home in Canada to the English countryside to visit her aunt and uncle on their farm called Merryweather Lodge. Emily soon gains the attention of two ghosts – a mysterious young girl and a terrifying creature Emily is certain wants to kill her. Could these spirits be connected to the string of murders in the area? Only one person is willing to believe Emily’s story – Jonathan, the teenage son of her aunt and uncle’s neighbor. Emily is certain she knows him, but how? Determined to lay to rest the ghosts of the past once and for all, Emily returns to Merryweather Lodge five years later. She is reunited with Jonathan, and together they uncover how their past lives are entwined with the restless spirits haunting them today.

Merryweather Lodge – Ancient Revenge, the first of a new trilogy, is a completely engrossing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Pauline Holyoak described the places, events and characters so vividly, I could easily picture myself there. When Emily felt the cold chill of a ghost nearby, I could too. I would describe Emily and Jonathan’s romance as flirtatious in this book. Nothing hot and heavy yet, but it establishes the foundation for things to come. With its suspenseful, fast paced plot and colorful characters, this book will appeal to a wide rage of readers, including fans of mystery & thrillers, suspense, and paranormal romance. It’s also a must for those interested in Celtic and Druid magic (like me!).

Thank you to the author for sending me a review copy of her book.

My Rating: 4½ Stars