The Para-Portage of Emily by Muffy Wilson
is a story layered in multiple mysteries. Emily, a young woman with a heart
condition, is sent by her father to handle her recently deceased Uncle John’s
estate. She works for her father’s law firm and her uncle was a partner. Her
father feels the time away from home, in a quiet location, might do her delicate
health good. So, she travels alone from Chicago to an island nestled between
Green Bay and Lake Michigan, with her dog Barkley.
Soon as she arrives at the island estate,
she is enthralled by the beautiful home and its link to local history, which
includes a story about the previous owner. As it turns out, she knows little to
nothing about her uncle and decides to dig up whatever personal and historical
information she can. Eventually, due to strange dreams, her own imagination and
paranormal influence, she kind of becomes obsessed, especially with the history
surrounding the original owner: Colin Jorgenson, the man who bought the
property somewhere between 1890 and 1900.
While she deals with the legalities of the
estate, she meets a small cast of supporting characters, and quickly learns the
island is far removed from the outside world. In a small community everyone
knows everyone else’s business, and she’s no exception. As she begins to
unravel her uncle’s life, she also discovers more about Colin. And she embarks
on, what’s to become, the journey of her life.
This novel was eloquently
written, a visual feast, with a titillating amount of eroticism; although it is difficult to tell in the beginning whether Emily’s sexual encounters are
imagined or real. Of all the characters, I liked her the most. She’s a
headstrong woman and nobody’s fool. But, having said that, I found the ending a
little disappointing, even though I know it was inevitable. Without giving
spoilers, I just feel that Emily, the intelligent and beautiful woman that she
is, deserved significantly more than what she got. Aside from that, the
story was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The sex was deliciously sensual. And
both the mystery and paranormal aspects were a total draw along with Emily’s
engaging outlook on her new world. 4.5 stars!
Blak Rayne
Thank you so much, Blak! What a wonderful review!! And the ending...well, it is a series so that really isn't, is it? Emily has a lot yet ahead of her, or at least someone does that will turn your head around. That should entice you just enough to grab up the sequel for the..."rest of the story." Thank you so much for your kind and generous words. I so appreciate you taking the time to not only read my love story spanning a century, but for taking the time to pen such a gracious review. xo
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Muffy! You're very welcome, I enjoyed writing it. And I'm glad to hear it is a series because I'd love to read more about Emily. I so want her to get everything...well, you know what I mean. And for everyone else, you'll have to read Muffy's book to figure out what I'm hinting at! LOL :)
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