Patria Dunn-Rowe

I was immediately drawn into Nahla's story, from her unusual birth and upbringing to the secret she can't seem to keep hidden. Nahla's story, while superbly entertaining and engaging, was not the only one told. I was swept away by the back story of how the Gifts came to be and how they got to where they ended up. I absolutely love to read novels that have multiple layers, as this one does. The author did an amazing job pulling the stories together in a smooth, easy read that keeps you turning pages.Aside from the story within a story there are the multi-dimensional characters. Even as certain characters discover more about themselves than meets the eye, the author also keeps them very human. Their hopes, dreams, concerns and fears all have that human edge to them that some authors tend to loose when they start giving out powers to their characters. There are a few issues in the book that can be attributed to e-book formatting problems, however; Patria Dunn Rowe is such an amazing storyteller that they are easily overlooked. The tale she tells is simply too captivating to put down. One final note, while I wouldn't call this book a YA novel, I will say that I wouldn't be opposed to my teenage daughter reading it. I think, this book in particular, is great for high school age and beyond.I already have the second book in this series, Signs and Wonders. I can't wait to get started on it, because The Gifts will definitely leave you wanting more... more answers, more romance, and more Gifts!… (meer)

Entering the world of Nahla is like enjoying a cold drink on a hot summer day. Refreshing and relaxing at the same time. Nahla is just your average college student making a life for herself when she is inexplicably thrown in a situation where she finds that she has an extraordinary gift. This causes her to have a lot of inner turmoil until she accepts her gift. Drawn into the mix is Gideon whom she finds is a kindred spirit in more ways than one.

I always find myself drawn into stories of ordinary people who become extraordinary and this lead me to write my own novel which explores this element as well. This story stands out from the rest with the intricate storyline and emotions that Nahla experiences as she travels down the road to self discovery.

I would recommend this book to readers who are interested in ordinary people being caught up in their own circumstances. It would also appeal to those who enjoy a well written romance intermingled with a deeper storyline.

Thank you Patria for allowing me to enter into Nahla’s world. I give you 5 stars for this phenomenal read and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.… (meer)