Fiona J.R. Titchenell

It's an usual book, exploring the BEFORE and AFTER of the main character's lives when a particular event occurs at the start. We get to know them as they were and as they are, and it works to build a more complete picture of both their relationship with each other as well as that which existed between them and deceased. Trying to navigate the new waters that they are in though, is a tricky bit of business. I mean, how do you pick up the pieces after losing someone you love? How do you go show more back to celebrating the things that are while remembering all that has been?

Honestly, I liked Chloe despite my original inclination to do the complete opposite. She was odd and unusual; quirky in her own way and yet ironic, all at the same time. My initial dislike wasn't anything personal per se, just a feeling that given the chance to inhabit the same space, I wasn't sure we'd be friends...but seeing someone in the throes of darkness, even if they were more shades of someone else's actual darkened journey, can change matters dramatically. The way she strove to make things better for Jon. The way she took care of him, even when he didn't know where to start or that he needed anything to begin with. It went against her nature and though it drove her insane internally, she pushed herself until the bitter end was nearing, all to help the one she loved.

To me, it was a very inside look at life pre and post loss, the ups and downs, the fights and struggles, and the potential for finding your way ungracefully back to not only each other but your self...and really, what more could you ask of someone in that situation? Being there for them, speaking the truths that need to be said, but also offering the shoulder to lean and/or cry on, can make the world of difference...and in time, their OWN time, they will find their way back to happiness once again. show less

This book was provided to me free of charge, and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
Splinters took me quite a while to read. It’s not a bad or boring book, but it just did not draw me in and keep me “glued to the screen” the way I would have liked. The story shows some out of the box thinking by the author(s), and the use of a (truly heroic) heroine who would seem to be either on the spectrum or suffering from mental health issues is refreshing. The other main character is fairly complex, show more but some of the supporting characters could have used some fleshing out. The romance isn’t a focal point, which to me is appropriate, given the circumstances.
Despite all of the positive I’ve stated above, I’m only giving Splinters 3 stars. Like I said, I wasn’t drawn in, and can’t say I’m excited to read the next book in the series. show less

I love this unique paranormal romance!!

High school is all about cliques. Jocks, cheerleaders, stoners, geeks, bullies, and those bullied are some of the more obvious factions roaming the campus. Unfortunately, Angela Ironwright is among the bullied. Her diary is her outlet, but her recordings are not what you’d think. Why relive the horror of the day when one can create a more pleasing life? Escape is not an option from her tormentors, but a temporary reprieve may be possible, let’s say, show more in the event of a funeral located on the other side of the country for the loss of a Great Aunt.

Having never met any family, Angela is shocked to learn how many of her relatives differ from her mother. Snippy and snobby are mere tips of the iceberg. Motives for the distance are quickly understood. The reasons for her mother’s over protectiveness still remains a mystery.

The town of Green Beach, Connecticut has its own mystery. A well-known ghost story filled with romance and missing girls can be retold by every resident. Like Romeo and Juliet, Joshua and Sarah were not allowed to be together. A disappearance, fire, murder. Nobody knows the truth of what happened that night back in 1890.

Unwittingly, Angela is drawn into the mystery. The search for truth becomes her mission.

I loved the creativity of the story. I loved the births of the characters; some made and some real. The world within the pocket is filled with wonderous delights and nightmares. show less

This book was provided to me free of charge, and I am reviewing it voluntarily.
Splinters took me quite a while to read. It’s not a bad or boring book, but it just did not draw me in and keep me “glued to the screen” the way I would have liked. The story shows some out of the box thinking by the author(s), and the use of a (truly heroic) heroine who would seem to be either on the spectrum or suffering from mental health issues is refreshing. The other main character is fairly complex, show more but some of the supporting characters could have used some fleshing out. The romance isn’t a focal point, which to me is appropriate, given the circumstances.
Despite all of the positive I’ve stated above, I’m only giving Splinters 3 stars. Like I said, I wasn’t drawn in, and can’t say I’m excited to read the next book in the series. show less