"Superior Romance" T. L. Schaefer has produced a
thriller that is the total package. Her characters are complex and
believable, with clear motivation and realistic reactions to the
extraordinary circumstances in which they find themselves. The depth of Ms.
Schaefer's research into the religion of Wicca adds a creepy twist to the
standard abduction plot, showing what evil can ensue when otherwise
admirable tenets are bent to suit the believer's needs. Ms. Schaefer does a
nice job hiding the identity of the killer, although readers will most
likely figure it out well ahead of the Mariposa crime team. Supporting
characters are no less convincing, including the comically named FBI
officer, Frank Drebin, and Josie Galloway, the Wiccan priestess who assists
in the investigation. -- Mellanie Crowther,
The Romance Reader's Connection
5 Angels!
The books jaw dropping conclusion with
Samanthas turn about on the killer left this reviewer wanting more.
Hopefully she will surface again in another book, perhaps to engage in the
ultimate battle with Mariposas resident high priestess Josie Galloway. One
thought that comes to the surface after reading both The Summerland
and The Brotherhood and that is the next time you travel through what
appears to be a sleepy town, looks may be more deceiving than you think..
You will not want to miss The Summerland. It is a book that will
capture your interest on many levels and enthrall the reader with a most
suspenseful romantic adventure.
--
Regan, Fallen Angel Reviews
I have become a
diehard T.L. Schaefer fan.
This is a taut, nail-bitingly suspenseful thriller, with strong
characterization, a plot with more twists and turns than a labyrinth, and
believable romance between two stubborn people who must learn to compromise
and trust again. Wicca is used effectively and accurately (Josie gets her
own book in The Brotherhood) and respectfully--and the ending is a
mind-blower! Read this when you're not all by yourself, and it isn't a dark
and stormy night--it's the sort of book that will keep you up late and scare
the bejeezus out of you. Gillian -- Sensual Romance Reviews
5
Stars and inclusion into Best Reads of 2001! Schaefer manages
... plots expertly, building them to the unexpected
revelation of the killer. Schaefer has such a firm grasp over
her characters, the narrative flow and the dialogue that it's
hard to believe this is a first novel. Interweaving the
murder mystery with Wicca is a masterstroke on Schafer's
part, making "The Summerland" a sure hit. -- Warren
Richardson,
Inscriptions
Magazine
4 Hearts!
THE
SUMMERLAND is highly recommended to anyone looking for suspense, murder, and
mayhem. It fills the reader with fear of the unknown, and leaves them
looking for answers about how religion can be turned into something
horrifying. Anyone loving a thought-provoking story will enjoy this novel
immensely. -- Angie,
Love Romances
Ms. Schaefer has
created a novel that is pure reading pleasure. The characters are well
developed and elicit a strong emotional response. There is an excellent
balance of suspense and romance that has you turning the pages to get to the
satisfying conclusion. The research into Wiccan lore adds a richness and
depth to the story and puts it above the typical serial killer novel. I wish
Ms. Schaefer the continued success she deserves. -- Roberta Austin,
Murder and Mayhem
4 1/2 Hearts!
The
Summerland is a great story with a plot that keeps you on the edge of your
seat. This book gripped me from the beginning and held me the whole way
through. If you like romantic suspense dont miss this great book by T.L.
Schaefer. -- Dina,
The Romance Studio
This quickly evolving page-turner with very well fleshed out characters
truly captures the readers interest and curiosity and is a welcome addition
to anyones library. Just make sure when you start that you have ample time
to finish, for youre not going to want to put it down for long. Author T.L.
Schaefer shows excellent skill and ingenuity in this, her first published
novel, and this reader/reviewer breathlessly waits for more! --
Diane Sewell, Denise's Pieces Fiction Reviews
Bill
Ashton is a fascinating, multifaceted hero, a simple man
thrust into a complicated situation that he is more than
equipped to handle, only to be thwarted by things beyond his
control. Arden Jones is more than his match, a strong-willed
woman wise enough to grasp happiness when she recognizes it
but not at the cost of her self-respect. The Summerland
rivals the very best of Iris Johansen and Mary Higgins Clark.
It absorbs the reader in the lives of the people inhabiting
its pages and refuses to let them go free until those lives
are resolved. Before you open it, clear your calendar,
because you will not be willing to put it down until the very
end of the very last chapter. -- Elizabeth Burton,
Blue Iris Journal
Author T.L. Schaefer has admirably
captured the sharp, driving intelligence of both Bill and Arden. Even when
their emotions get the better of their purposes, they can eventually work
out how best to harmonize feeling and planning. All the main characters of
THE SUMMERLAND have above average intelligence, something the author could
not have faked. Many authors are smart, yes, but usually not as obviously as
this. Of Schaefers secondary characters, Samantha has a restless,
absorptive mind that has never found satisfaction, High Priestess Josie
Galloway has the serene intelligence to master her surroundings,
psychiatrist and author Adam Porter has an intuitive insight into those
around him. Giving humor to the story are several dogs and cats, all
demanding to be fed at the wrong time. Topping it off is the convincing
psychology of the killer, whose identity is a surprise of the kind that
says, "Oh, why didnt I think of that?". -- Joy Calderwood,
The Word on Romance Reviews
"The Summerland has a
delightful mingling of reality and touches of the occult and
makes the reader believe, "This could be". It shows
the reader that love can happen at any age, to any one, at
any time, with all the complexities found in life. A
thoroughly enjoyable read. It is with great enthusiasm
that I recommend this book to readers who should find this an
interesting story and be left wanting to read the next book
by this author!" -- Mary Emmons for
eBook-Reviews.net
The characters in this story are
so real, you will feel you know every person in the small
town of Mariposa from the conniving deputy, Stumpy, to Mindy
who runs a bed and breakfast. The two main characters, Bill
Ashton and Arden Jones, will live in your memory long after
you finish the book. Their romance is scorching and
unforgettable as well. Lyn Morgan --
Ivy Quill Reviews
4 1/2
Stars! Magnificently
written with believable characters and a solid plot line,
this is a fascinating read that grips you from the first
page. I especially enjoyed the way Ms. Schaefer blended the
Wiccan religion into the plot line. Even more enjoyable was
the fact that Wicca is not portrayed as devil worship, but as
a true religion based on harming none. If you are looking for
a suspenseful read that keeps you guessing until the very
end, don't miss this one. -- Sharon McGinty --
Sharon's Reviews
*****
A fabulous detective thriller! I can honestly classify this story as one of
the better ones I have read! The only thing I did not care for was the
ending; however, that is only my personal opinion! Many will beg to differ
with me. Highly recommended reading that leaves me believing T.L. Schaefer is
an author to watch for on the future best seller lists! *****
-- Detra Fitch, Huntress Reviews
www.huntressreviews.com
4 1/2
Stars! THE
SUMMERLAND is a rich and fascinating read--one with likable
characters (except maybe the killer and a few others), a
tangled plot, and enough suspense to keep you up late at
night. I even liked the ambiguity of the resolution,
the wealth of information about Wicca, and the small town
flavor. It didn't detract to have a sheriff who is a
hunk with a brain and a military woman with beauty and an
attitude. -- Patricia Lucas White, Scribes World Reviews
www.scribesworld.com/reviews
4 1/2
Stars! Ms.
Schaefer weaves an intriguing and gripping story. A
"ride on the edge of your seat" kind of
book.. The reader is literally pulled into the story
and compelled to understand many different angles of
life. T.L. Schaefer's talent and straightforward
writing are refreshing and spellbinding. I would
strongly recommend this book. It was a great read and
it will join the list of my favorites. I will be
watching closely for the next novel by T.L. Schaefer, as it
is sure to be a magnificent story! -- Reviewed by Lauryn
Hale, Simply E-Books
www.simplyebooks.com
If you
are a reader of thrillers, then you will love the touch of
fantasy throughout. And if your a lover of fantasy, you will
be highly pleased with the "modern setting" and the
wonderful suspense that the author has created from page one
till the very end. Danielle Naibert, The Book Reviewer's Site
www.bookreviewersite.com
