Richard M. (algernon99) -
Helpful Score: 11
Not my cup of tea, thank you very much. I read to page 94, then gave it up. First, there's a bit too much romance for this big he-man reader :). When our heroine finds herself sitting on the lap of the newly-met sensitive hunk... well, I didn't get a thrill.
The other problem is the overly horror-book-style treatment of the otherworldly elements. A seance with the appearance of a sinister but amorphous dark force of enormous power was the last straw. I like ghosts and can tolerate lots of paranormal stuff, but this is over the top for me. I almost quit when the evil black force took possession of the heroine's young son, but I kept plugging away it until the seance scene, when it just became too much.
On the other hand, you may love this stuff. Just not me. I discussed it with my wife, and she said to go ahead and list the book rather than saving it for her to try.
The other problem is the overly horror-book-style treatment of the otherworldly elements. A seance with the appearance of a sinister but amorphous dark force of enormous power was the last straw. I like ghosts and can tolerate lots of paranormal stuff, but this is over the top for me. I almost quit when the evil black force took possession of the heroine's young son, but I kept plugging away it until the seance scene, when it just became too much.
On the other hand, you may love this stuff. Just not me. I discussed it with my wife, and she said to go ahead and list the book rather than saving it for her to try.
Helpful Score: 11
I gave this book about 60 pages or so. By the time I was on page 51 I had decided I didn't care who did what to who or why.
Not really a cozy in my opinion. I love a good paranormal cozy but this was just not it. When the son got possessed by something I was pretty much done. I had all of these books on my wishlist but after reading the first part of this one I deleted all of them.
Not really a cozy in my opinion. I love a good paranormal cozy but this was just not it. When the son got possessed by something I was pretty much done. I had all of these books on my wishlist but after reading the first part of this one I deleted all of them.
Helpful Score: 10
This was my very first cozy mystery and I thought it was very good. Good characters you feel you can get to know and I like the paranormal edge to it as well. Can't wait to read more of her!
Nancy G. (ComfyReader) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 330 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
Chintz and China Series. 1st in the Series.
Emerald awakes one night to find Susan Mitchell at the foot of her bed. Susan has to tell Emerald that she has been murdered by her husband. The authorities feel that it was an accidental death and now its up to Emerald with her psychic talents and tarot cards to set the record straight.
Nice twist at the end, but I could only give it a 3 because of the two ridiculous sex scenes that just didnt belong in a cozy mystery.
Emerald awakes one night to find Susan Mitchell at the foot of her bed. Susan has to tell Emerald that she has been murdered by her husband. The authorities feel that it was an accidental death and now its up to Emerald with her psychic talents and tarot cards to set the record straight.
Nice twist at the end, but I could only give it a 3 because of the two ridiculous sex scenes that just didnt belong in a cozy mystery.
Helpful Score: 9
Don't be fooled by the cutesy blurb on the back of the book, or the kitschy cover. This is not really a cozy mystery, although at times the author tries for that. Overall, it's a pretty good story, but much scarier than I expected. Also, some of the dialogue is downright laughable. But overall, it is a solid first book from this author, and I'll give others in the series a chance.
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed this first in Galenorn's Chintz 'n China mysteries. We are introduced to Emerald O'Brien, who owns a small teashop (more like a tea room actually) in northern Washington state. In addition to selling fine china, serving tea and the occasional lunch, she also reads Tarot cards for her customers and is inofficially known as the town Witch. Because of her psychic abilities, she's also a beacon to the ghost of a recently deceased romance writer who lived nearby.
I found the story engaging enough to hold my interest though I did think the author got a bit overly descriptive at times, but not too much so. Some of that could just be my recent reading of lots of books that either had a lot of action or are young adult reads which usually don't include overly descriptive paragraphs. Though the mystery part was resolved satisfactorily, the part to do with Emerald's personal life left me looking forward to the next in the series. :-)
I found the story engaging enough to hold my interest though I did think the author got a bit overly descriptive at times, but not too much so. Some of that could just be my recent reading of lots of books that either had a lot of action or are young adult reads which usually don't include overly descriptive paragraphs. Though the mystery part was resolved satisfactorily, the part to do with Emerald's personal life left me looking forward to the next in the series. :-)
Helpful Score: 3
I really liked this book! I thought the psychic/ghost element was interesting and different. It held my interest enough to want to read the rest of the books in the series. Looks like I've got a long wait, as the books are wishlisted and there are quite a few readers ahead of me.
Barbara F. (daylilylover) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 768 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent, lots of chills and thrills!
Helpful Score: 2
A great first in the new series. A strong paranormal influence. Written by a woman who lives a pagan lifestyle, so she really knows what she's talking about.
Helpful Score: 1
Well written mystery with interesting characters.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this story. It is bit more light-hearted than many of the paranormal romance out there (less steamy sex). The main character is easy to identify with and very likeable. I think that it would be a good book for people who may be just getting started with paranormal romance.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this whole series The tea shop gives the books a recurring theme while the supernatural intrudes into their cozy world. Ms Galenorn has moved on to write other types of books, but I do miss this series.
Helpful Score: 1
This is an excellent start to this set. This was my first book i have read by her and look forward to reading the rest
Helpful Score: 1
First in the series ... absolutely delightful read with great characters introduced. I really enjoyed this book and read it in one day :)
Helpful Score: 1
Emerald O'Brien, a china shop owner with the ability to see spirits is asked by a murdered woman to avenge her death. Unfortunately, she has an evil spirit tagging along with her, endangering the lives of Emerald and her two children. A very good mystery and paranormal, but very dark at times. The first in a series.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! More witchcraft than tea room but that was fine. Interesting and compeling.
Helpful Score: 1
The book is enjoyable, if you can get past the first few
chapters. I did it was a good book. This is the first in the series. They get better as you go. It is a light ghost story/murder mystery. A medium read.
chapters. I did it was a good book. This is the first in the series. They get better as you go. It is a light ghost story/murder mystery. A medium read.
Helpful Score: 1
Enjoyed very much. Has a Christmas element to it.
LaVaughn W. (welshwytch) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 89 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very good Who-dunnit mystery story.... The reader can't help but fall in love with the lead character, Emerald O'Brien and you find yourself rooting for her all the way through the book!
Cheryl R. (Spuddie) -
Helpful Score: 1
First in a series about a tea shop owner and tarot reader in small-town Washington State. Enjoyable mystery with likable characters. If you don't like things like ghosts, witchy spells or 'supernatural' stuff you probably won't like it, but I enjoyed it!
Heather A. (imabookfanatic) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This combination mystery with paranormal elements was new to me. I found it a bit scary at times, but I am a wimp when it comes to spirits. I did like it though and plan to read the others--during the day (maybe on a nice sunny beach in the summer)! :) This is the first book in the Chintz 'n China series.
JoLaine D. (queenmother) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 110 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very good book,interesting story.I'll read more of this author.Very entertaining!
Jennifer V. (jenvince) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 136 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
First in the series. A little more horror/violence than I am used to seeing in a cozy. I still enjoyed this, though. All I kept thinking was, "These poor kids!" This was well written, could really picture what was happening. I would like to read the others in this series.
I really enjoyed this book. Emerald O'Brien owns a china and tea shop in a small town. She is also the local "witch", tarot card readings, seeing ghosts and so on. She is startled at the appearance of a dead woman who wants Em to find her killer. Meanwhile her son "plays" with some magic and unleashes something evil. I can't wait to get the second book!
Helpful Score: 1
My Opinion
This was an okay read.
The idea behind the story is interesting and the main character is believable.
Emerald is a divorcee, raising two kids on her own, trying to support her family with her business which is a tea/china shop where she also does the occasional tarot card reading. She is known as the town witch, so it is no surprise when a ghost appears at the foot of her bed one night asking for help. The story takes on a bit of a mystery and I did not figure out the twist, so that is something. I had a little trouble with the added subplot of the Mr. B & U. It seemed almost like an unnecessary part of the story and it seemed to me that the author was attempting to put more of a horror twist on the story than I could read into it. (If that makes any sense) I did enjoy the interaction between the other characters, although I don't really care for Andrew much. I almost feel like he is going to be a problem. I suppose we will see in the other books in the series.
Anyway, I have the second in the series as well and will read it as well as the rest as I come across them.
This was an okay read.
The idea behind the story is interesting and the main character is believable.
Emerald is a divorcee, raising two kids on her own, trying to support her family with her business which is a tea/china shop where she also does the occasional tarot card reading. She is known as the town witch, so it is no surprise when a ghost appears at the foot of her bed one night asking for help. The story takes on a bit of a mystery and I did not figure out the twist, so that is something. I had a little trouble with the added subplot of the Mr. B & U. It seemed almost like an unnecessary part of the story and it seemed to me that the author was attempting to put more of a horror twist on the story than I could read into it. (If that makes any sense) I did enjoy the interaction between the other characters, although I don't really care for Andrew much. I almost feel like he is going to be a problem. I suppose we will see in the other books in the series.
Anyway, I have the second in the series as well and will read it as well as the rest as I come across them.
Barbara B. (catbookmom) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 52 more book reviews
Galenorn writes a fast and interesting read. Enjoyed this, and I'd like to finish the series.
This series are fast read books. They hook you from the beginning and are hard to put down. Not too much mush with some real life and paranormal issues. I really like this series and wish Yasmine had not stopped writing this series.
Interesting book about a psychic who sees ghosts. Included is a protection charm recipe.
This was an interesting change to the usual mysteries I've read before. There were a couple of scenes that really had me glued to the pages because the supernatural stuff going on was so creepy.
It was nice to read something by an author who is has knowledge in pagan arts, but there are definitely other areas she should research before committing things to paper. One thing I noticed is that she incorrectly calls a ceremonial blade a dagger instead of a knife. Yes, dagger sounds cooler, but I hate when authors mix stuff like that up. Another is that I found it strange that for someone who is supposed to be so passionate about their teas, that they spend the majority of their time making tea with tea bags instead of loose leaf. You'd think she's be concerned about the quality of her teas and not use the cheap stuff. But, no, apparently the author is a big fan of Celestial Seasonings because there were a few of their products mentioned in the book.
I didn't care for the possibility of a love triangle that was a sub-plot in this story. I've just seen this one used too many times in other books and it's really run it's course. Normally, I wouldn't care when adults are dating to their heart's content, but I can't stand when someone is dating one person and uses the "well, they never specified we're exclusive to each other" excuse so they can have someone in the wings or on the side.
I also found the ending too predictable. It's getting hard to find a mystery where the lead character doesn't have a knock-down bloody battle with the villain at the end of the book. I don't even find that exciting anymore and can't wait for the scene to end.
Overall, though, the story is interesting enough for me to continue with the series in the hopes that the author gets a little more original and grows as a writer (and researcher).
It was nice to read something by an author who is has knowledge in pagan arts, but there are definitely other areas she should research before committing things to paper. One thing I noticed is that she incorrectly calls a ceremonial blade a dagger instead of a knife. Yes, dagger sounds cooler, but I hate when authors mix stuff like that up. Another is that I found it strange that for someone who is supposed to be so passionate about their teas, that they spend the majority of their time making tea with tea bags instead of loose leaf. You'd think she's be concerned about the quality of her teas and not use the cheap stuff. But, no, apparently the author is a big fan of Celestial Seasonings because there were a few of their products mentioned in the book.
I didn't care for the possibility of a love triangle that was a sub-plot in this story. I've just seen this one used too many times in other books and it's really run it's course. Normally, I wouldn't care when adults are dating to their heart's content, but I can't stand when someone is dating one person and uses the "well, they never specified we're exclusive to each other" excuse so they can have someone in the wings or on the side.
I also found the ending too predictable. It's getting hard to find a mystery where the lead character doesn't have a knock-down bloody battle with the villain at the end of the book. I don't even find that exciting anymore and can't wait for the scene to end.
Overall, though, the story is interesting enough for me to continue with the series in the hopes that the author gets a little more original and grows as a writer (and researcher).
I have read other books by this author and love them. This book was different but just as good. A first I was not sure I could read this book as it kept me up. I don't like books that hurt kids. But once I got past the first 2 chapters it was great. So don't stop, keep reading. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Taken from book cover: Emerald O'Brien is a single mother of two, and is the owner of the Chintz 'n China Tea Room where guests are served the perfect blend of tea and torot reading. She can also communicate with the dead. She becomes a detective once a ghost shows up in her house, and tells her she was murdered by her husband. But she brings along a unwanted and evil spirit with her. Emerald goes on to investigate if Susan (the ghost) was murdered or not.
If you're looking for a new cozy series, I highly recommend this blend of mystery, humor, location, romance -- and just a hint of ghostly magic.
This book is classified as a mystery which it is but the plot relies very heavily on a paranormal element which I thought did nothing for the book. I expected a "ghost" as one is mentioned in the title and book description but the story doesn't center so much on that ghost but an evil presence entirely unrelated. The mystery itself was pretty standard.
Penny T. (iluvmysteries) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 431 more book reviews
Cute "ghostly mystery" with likeable characters.
Really like this book
Storm C. (greenwitchlady) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 53 more book reviews
Very good read.
Looking forward to more from this author!
Stephanie C W. (stephanie13w) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 300 more book reviews
Good story ~ I'll have to read the rest in the series.
Barbara B. (redhatter) reviewed Ghost of a Chance (Chintz 'n China, Bk 1) on + 577 more book reviews
First in the series! Emerald O'Brien, single mother of two, is the owner of the Chintz 'n China Tea room where guests are served the perfect blend of tea and tarot reading. She never set out to be a detective but once word gets out that she can communicate with the dead, there's no turning back....
Occult mystery series
From what people have told me, this is a great new mystery series involving a tarot card reading woman who speaks to the dead in order to solve murders.
This is a new series for me and I'm hooked. The blurb reads as follows: It was definitely a ghost. There, at the foot of Emerald's bed. A pen hovered above a piece of paper and scrawled these alarming words: "I was murdered by my husband, but nobody knows. Help me." Emerald was considered the town witch but she owned a tea shop, not a detective agency. What did the spirit expect? But after another darker entity emerges, bent on destroying her world and her family along with it, Emerald's life takes a screeching detour onto a wild and dangerous road. As she careens into a web of deceit, lies, and secrets woven around her ghostly visitor, death strikes gain. Now, along with her friends - an ex-supermodel and a cop - and her new love interest, Emerald must search for clues to put the kill behind bars - and this tortured sould to rest ...
A very good series.
The first in the Chintz 'n China Mystery series in which Emerald O'Briend, a single mom, owns a tea shop and gets involved in solving mysteries.
The first in a very interesting series.
