OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ursula, Sisters of Prophecy Book 1" by Jude Pittman and Gail Roughton.]
Katherine Shipton knew her life was about to change as she prepared to marry Parker Drayton, heir to an international oil firm, but she never dreamed that it would change this much. As Ursula, the first book in the Sisters of Prophecy series by Jude Pittman and Gail Roughton opens, Parker is setting off to inspect oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and Katherine is planning to occupy herself with wedding plans and maybe finally finishing that portrait she’s been working on. In a matter of hours, Katherine is doubting her own sanity, and Parker’s life may be in jeopardy.

There are really two stories happening in this book. One has a modern setting and involves Katherine, Parker, and the people close to them. The other is about Katherine’s mysterious ancestor, Ursula, and takes place during the reign of England’s Henry VIII. Guided by a talking portrait and assisted by her best friend, Katherine needs to alter history’s natural course - or Ursula faces tragedy and Katherine will never have been born. Even though she definitely feels like she’s been thrown into the deep end without knowing how to swim, it is imperative for Katherine to find a way to help Ursula and then return to solve the problems that face her in her own time.

For such a short book, there is a lot going on. There’s drama with Katherine’s newfound psychic abilities, drama with Katherine’s ex-fiancee who makes a sudden reappearance in her life, drama with the danger that Parker must face, and drama surrounding Katherine’s friend Sylvia, who has her own secrets. While this keeps the book very exciting, some readers may find it to be too scattered and lacking the more subtle development that can really separate the good from the great.

I think it is also worth noting that this book is clearly meant to be part of a larger series. I don’t know if readers should expect the same cast of characters to appear, but I wouldn’t eliminate the possibility, and that may help further develop characters that were introduced in this book. For readers with strong opinions, rest assured that there is a real ending to the book (not a cliffhanger), but you’ll need to read the book to find out if it’s happy or not.

I am rating this book 3 out of 4 stars. It was quick, but it was also exciting and interesting. I think many readers will find it enjoyable and a good read for a sunny afternoon or an evening indoors. It’s definitely a fast read, and it will entertain without eating away your entire day.

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Thanks reviewer. Very perceptive review, and exactly right about this being the first in the series and setting up the characters for future Sisters. the next book in the series, Sisters of Prophecy, Irene, will indeed bring back many favorites, like Mother Shipton and Lillian, and as you suspected will be focused in the present time, but with some very timely assistance from her gifted ancestors and sisters in time. Be prepared for some comical century hopping experiences, which will lighten the drama and danger facing our next Shipton sister of prophecy, Irene. Jude

bookswelove wrote:Thanks reviewer. Very perceptive review, and exactly right about this being the first in the series and setting up the characters for future Sisters. the next book in the series, Sisters of Prophecy, Irene, will indeed bring back many favorites, like Mother Shipton and Lillian, and as you suspected will be focused in the present time, but with some very timely assistance from her gifted ancestors and sisters in time. Be prepared for some comical century hopping experiences, which will lighten the drama and danger facing our next Shipton sister of prophecy, Irene. Jude

Sounds like a fun book. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for that one.

Thanks for the review. I have never been into traditional romances. This sounds ideal for me. I will add it to my ever growing list of must reads. Thank you.

I usually stay away from the traditional romances also, but I think I'm going to add this one to my TBR. Thank you for the review.

Great review! Romance is not my favorite genre. Still, I will occasionally read a romance novel if it appears to be my cup of tea. I like that parts of this book are set during Henry VIII's reign. That's always been a fascinating historical period for me.

Nice review. The book has an interesting storyline.

Oh gosh, oil rigs...that subject alone seems to make this an interesting read! I like the infusion of supernatural in romance as it's my least liked genres. Thanks for taking up the novel and letting us know what to expect

This sounds like a book that will keep you engaged until the last page! Great review!

Nice review! It sounds very exciting!

Thanks for the well written review. Really my kind of book! Looking forward to when the series is complete to read it in one haul!

Seems like the book has an interesting plot. Thanks for the review

The book summary doesn't sound all that wow, but after reading the review this book will definitely be going into my want to read shelf

Like the premise but not sure about setting it in time of Henry VIII, given the gruesome nature of the beheading of his various wives. Thanks for the review.

I have been reading too many stories of this nature, thank you for your honest review it gives the heads up on what to expect in the book. Still undecided on whether it will be on my reading pile