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Hemphill Towers
Riley Saunders has her dream job. As an art director at a leading advertising agency, she works every day with her two best friends, Stella and Birdie. All three have been assigned to ensure that the Grand Opening of the Peterson Art Museum is nothing short of a success.
When a girl’s night out at a hot new Italian restaurant ends with a spilled bottle of wine, it sets in motion a series of events that leaves Stella and Birdie caught up in whirlwind romances, and Riley fearing for her life at the hands of a deranged stalker. But, when the handsome museum curator, Trent Peterson, learns of her situation, he vows to keep her safe.
In a quick-paced tale of fine art, wine forgery, and the Russian Mafia, Riley and her friends soon discover their pursuit of love will require them to expose a crime, thwart a murder, and trust the one thing that has never failed them…their friendship.
When a girl’s night out at a hot new Italian restaurant ends with a spilled bottle of wine, it sets in motion a series of events that leaves Stella and Birdie caught up in whirlwind romances, and Riley fearing for her life at the hands of a deranged stalker. But, when the handsome museum curator, Trent Peterson, learns of her situation, he vows to keep her safe.
In a quick-paced tale of fine art, wine forgery, and the Russian Mafia, Riley and her friends soon discover their pursuit of love will require them to expose a crime, thwart a murder, and trust the one thing that has never failed them…their friendship.
190 pages, ebook
First published October 23, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 17, 2014
Hemphill Towers
really took me surprise. I honestly wasn’t expecting much since this is an unknown author to me but I decided to take a chance on her anyway since her book was offered to me free by participating on her blog tour. And boy was I glad I took it!!
This book kept me actively interested and engaged. I didn’t know that a book of unfamiliarity could take me from left field and captivate me so thoroughly!
From a one-sided romance whirl winding into a passionate romance fulfilled intrigue, suspense, and a thrill of danger. This book has it all!
I really liked the set up of the characters and couplings that Leona has set for us and how they mesh so well with one another and have such great camaraderie!
From just a spilled glass of wine, this sets in action a shuffle of events and romances that have the characters clinging together to stay alive and solve the mysteries have them on the run from crime, forgery, the Russian mafia, and even a deranged stalker!
A very well written story that I highly recommend! I definitely will be on the lookout for more from this author for sure!!
*A free copy of this book was provided to me by Reading Addiction Blog Tours for an honest review.*
This book kept me actively interested and engaged. I didn’t know that a book of unfamiliarity could take me from left field and captivate me so thoroughly!
From a one-sided romance whirl winding into a passionate romance fulfilled intrigue, suspense, and a thrill of danger. This book has it all!
I really liked the set up of the characters and couplings that Leona has set for us and how they mesh so well with one another and have such great camaraderie!
From just a spilled glass of wine, this sets in action a shuffle of events and romances that have the characters clinging together to stay alive and solve the mysteries have them on the run from crime, forgery, the Russian mafia, and even a deranged stalker!
A very well written story that I highly recommend! I definitely will be on the lookout for more from this author for sure!!
*A free copy of this book was provided to me by Reading Addiction Blog Tours for an honest review.*
February 1, 2014
This novel is intense and nerve wracking from the 1st page. The writing style was easy to follow and the novel was well edited and presented. There is also so much going on in this tale that it becomes difficult at times to focus on the main story. There are a great deal of stories weaving together and I spent a great deal of time wondering where the prologue fit in. I kept expecting the girl in the prologue to show up somewhere. And holy irony on the ending. Pence presented a very quick but indisputable wrap-up to this story that leaves you thinking ‘Karma.’
The characters in this novel were quite intriguing. It was nice to see 3 best friends finding their match in such close proximity to one another and that the men were all friends as well. Again, rather ironic but it fit together the way that Pence presented it to her readers. The characters themselves were well developed in some aspects and rather superficial in others. Being that the cast of prominent characters was so large it was difficult to get to know anyone in depth in this page count.
Overall this was a quick and intriguing read that really makes you wonder about those around you.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in this novel were quite intriguing. It was nice to see 3 best friends finding their match in such close proximity to one another and that the men were all friends as well. Again, rather ironic but it fit together the way that Pence presented it to her readers. The characters themselves were well developed in some aspects and rather superficial in others. Being that the cast of prominent characters was so large it was difficult to get to know anyone in depth in this page count.
Overall this was a quick and intriguing read that really makes you wonder about those around you.
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2013
I absolutely LOVED this book! It had romance, intrigue, & locations that were so vividly described that I felt I was there myself. The characters were well developed and had me truely hoping for things to work out for them (except for one which you will really dislike but that was the intention) . The novel was well plotted & gave a very satisfying ending.
I am very proud to say the author is a friend of mine. I'm so delighted by the much deserved success she is receiving from the publication of her first book. Those 5 star reviews are so wonderful to see and I think she earned every single one of them! We really did have fun in those early days of her writing when we would fantasize our romantic futures with the men that now live on in the pages of Hemphill Towers. Thank you Leona for naming Birdie after me and Federico, my hearthrob, after my husband. We feel imortalized!
I am very proud to say the author is a friend of mine. I'm so delighted by the much deserved success she is receiving from the publication of her first book. Those 5 star reviews are so wonderful to see and I think she earned every single one of them! We really did have fun in those early days of her writing when we would fantasize our romantic futures with the men that now live on in the pages of Hemphill Towers. Thank you Leona for naming Birdie after me and Federico, my hearthrob, after my husband. We feel imortalized!
February 17, 2014
Lovely story. Yes, there were quite a few coincidences in this but I loved the happy ending for the three friends, and the fact that the two bad guys got their due. I hope to read more by Leona Pence in the future. If you're looking for a breezy and warm-hearted romantic story, this is it.
July 26, 2016
I had the pleasure of reading this book before its release. This debut novel by Leona Pence (who is also an incredible inspiration to me) was a really fun read. It contained the best aspects of a contemporary romance--independent women, strong heroes, and a villain you will love to hate.
It all begins with a rather one-sided office romance. Stella is in love with her boss, J.B., but he doesn't see her as more than a secretary, or so she thinks. One night, she and her two coworkers/best friends, end up at the same Italian restaurant as J.B. and one of his clients. When J.B. notices them and waves them over, the ladies end up joining the men for the meal. Little do they know that a spilled glass of wine would set off a series of events that would change their lives. It's also quite a hilarious scene, but I'll let you find that out for yourself.
The story unfolds quickly from that point. Stella has caught J.B.'s eye, Birdie and J.B.'s Italian client are head-over-heels for each other, and Riley becomes the target of a serial stalker. From a whirlwind romance, to a trek across the Italian countryside, and even a run-in with the Russian mafia, these three friends wind up with a lot on their plates. They will have to rely on each other to unravel the mysteries behind each event...and to survive.
If you're a fan of contemporary romance, I highly recommend this book. The writing is crisp and clear, the plot is fast-paced, and though the end is succinctly wrapped up and satisfying, it remains ripe for a much-anticipated sequel. Grab your copy today!
It all begins with a rather one-sided office romance. Stella is in love with her boss, J.B., but he doesn't see her as more than a secretary, or so she thinks. One night, she and her two coworkers/best friends, end up at the same Italian restaurant as J.B. and one of his clients. When J.B. notices them and waves them over, the ladies end up joining the men for the meal. Little do they know that a spilled glass of wine would set off a series of events that would change their lives. It's also quite a hilarious scene, but I'll let you find that out for yourself.
The story unfolds quickly from that point. Stella has caught J.B.'s eye, Birdie and J.B.'s Italian client are head-over-heels for each other, and Riley becomes the target of a serial stalker. From a whirlwind romance, to a trek across the Italian countryside, and even a run-in with the Russian mafia, these three friends wind up with a lot on their plates. They will have to rely on each other to unravel the mysteries behind each event...and to survive.
If you're a fan of contemporary romance, I highly recommend this book. The writing is crisp and clear, the plot is fast-paced, and though the end is succinctly wrapped up and satisfying, it remains ripe for a much-anticipated sequel. Grab your copy today!
February 2, 2014
Hemphill Towers merges the romantic lives of three friends who work for the same advertising agency and we follow them stalking, attempted murder and family dramas.
Although I did not particularly connect with the three women I found Leona Pence's writing compelling and I became absorbed in their lives. One of the reasons I liked Hemphill Towers so much was that Leona Pence asks nothing from her reader, but to enjoy the story; there is a mystery element but we are not asked to solve it. There is an omniscient and because of that we already know who the perpetrator is, we can just watch them being brought to justice (maybe!).
This is not a long read but one I would suggest curling up with on a rainy afternoon.
Although I did not particularly connect with the three women I found Leona Pence's writing compelling and I became absorbed in their lives. One of the reasons I liked Hemphill Towers so much was that Leona Pence asks nothing from her reader, but to enjoy the story; there is a mystery element but we are not asked to solve it. There is an omniscient and because of that we already know who the perpetrator is, we can just watch them being brought to justice (maybe!).
This is not a long read but one I would suggest curling up with on a rainy afternoon.
February 13, 2014
Please check out my full 4 star review here
http://trinastantilisingtidbits.blogs...
I was lucky enough to be part of Hemphill Towers Blog Tour this month and it was an added bonus to review the book as part of that.
I found it a very exciting book to read, it was packed full of the most interesting things that these girls got up too and there was always something happening which made for an un put downable book.
There were dramas, tantrums, tiara's, sparkly diamonds, plans and schemes galore.
I would recommend this book, I rated it 4 stars.
http://trinastantilisingtidbits.blogs...
I was lucky enough to be part of Hemphill Towers Blog Tour this month and it was an added bonus to review the book as part of that.
I found it a very exciting book to read, it was packed full of the most interesting things that these girls got up too and there was always something happening which made for an un put downable book.
There were dramas, tantrums, tiara's, sparkly diamonds, plans and schemes galore.
I would recommend this book, I rated it 4 stars.
January 23, 2014
Leona Pence’s debut novel, Hemphill Towers, does not disappoint. It is a Romantic Mystery, not to be confused with a romance novel. The lives of three young women intertwine and evolve in different settings across the globe. Her handling of a complex tale was masterfully accomplished. I highly recommend Hemphill Towers and look forward to more from this exciting new writer.
January 22, 2014
Hemphill Towers tells the story of three female co-workers that are also close friends. Riley, Stella and Birdie work for the same marketing firm. A girls night out results in three romantic liaisons. Thus starts a whirlwind tale of wine forgery, stalking and romance.
Hemphill Towers is a quick, easy read: a light, enjoyable read for an afternoon spent sunbathing on the beach. Pence’s story is very elaborate and keeps the reader interested until a happy conclusion has been reached for each of the heroines.
Pence is a great storyteller and, as many great storytellers, she has the tendency to tell the reader instead of show the reader. There are thus a vast number of characters and storylines in this novel. There could easily be a novel for each of the three main female characters. Instead, there are three novel-length stories crammed into one book. The reader is thus bombarded with information in order for the three stories to come to a happy ending. Unfortunately, despite the vast amount of information, there is a lack of small, realistic details, which made the story feel unauthentic. Pence didn’t manage to capture the essence of the settings of Chicago, Italy or Spain. The dialogue felt flat and unrealistic.
I recommend this book for lovers of the romance genre that are looking for a story with a bit more bite to it.
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.*
Hemphill Towers is a quick, easy read: a light, enjoyable read for an afternoon spent sunbathing on the beach. Pence’s story is very elaborate and keeps the reader interested until a happy conclusion has been reached for each of the heroines.
Pence is a great storyteller and, as many great storytellers, she has the tendency to tell the reader instead of show the reader. There are thus a vast number of characters and storylines in this novel. There could easily be a novel for each of the three main female characters. Instead, there are three novel-length stories crammed into one book. The reader is thus bombarded with information in order for the three stories to come to a happy ending. Unfortunately, despite the vast amount of information, there is a lack of small, realistic details, which made the story feel unauthentic. Pence didn’t manage to capture the essence of the settings of Chicago, Italy or Spain. The dialogue felt flat and unrealistic.
I recommend this book for lovers of the romance genre that are looking for a story with a bit more bite to it.
*I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.*
August 10, 2016
this book had so many plots and twists going on it will make your head spin. I definitely got a work out with this one. I haven't quite understood the beginning before she moved to where Riley is now. I thought at first it was to show that she would have her guard up but nope. That didn't quite happen as she ended up dating a deranged stalker. Although that did add some thrilling moments and add to the intrigue.
All the fun started at a Italian restaurant and a spilled glass of wine. Next thing we know, the boss and Stella are seeing each other for the first time and on a date find wine forgery. Birdie is off on a whirlwind affair to Italy and gets involved in a situation that the Russian Mafia are involved in and Riley meets deranged dude and than Trent even though she doesn't know who he is at the time.
All the while, Riley is working on a museum opening, trying to stay safe and getting to know Trent at the same time.
A face paced easy to read book that will have you reeling and enjoying every moment of it.
March 23, 2015
Disclaimer: Hemphill Towers is not in a genre I usually favor. Sure, like many people, I don't mind romance. I just don't specifically choose it when I want to sit down to escape this world and immerse myself in a book. I've decided to give it a try because I've met Leona Pence in an online writing course (F2K). She was my mentor in the last session so we talked but I don't know her personally.
Now, I have to specify that Hemphill Towers is a bit more than romance. Sure, we have three friends finding their soul mates (and a few other lucky people too) and one might think it's a little too much: how can so many people be lucky at once? But that aside, the story is full of twists and bad guys. We have an insane stalker, a rapist, contraband, and even the Russian mafia shows its face. Now, combine it all together and the result is a pleasant mix that reads well and makes you want to turn the pages.
The only thing I may have against this book is that it can leave you hungry. Leona Pence loves to describe elaborate dishes and their smell. I still feel as if it lingers right under my nose. So be warned; read right after lunch or supper, or you might find yourself sneaking in the fridge before the book ends, or even better, poor yourself a glass of chilled wine and enjoy your afternoon reading.
Now, I have to specify that Hemphill Towers is a bit more than romance. Sure, we have three friends finding their soul mates (and a few other lucky people too) and one might think it's a little too much: how can so many people be lucky at once? But that aside, the story is full of twists and bad guys. We have an insane stalker, a rapist, contraband, and even the Russian mafia shows its face. Now, combine it all together and the result is a pleasant mix that reads well and makes you want to turn the pages.
The only thing I may have against this book is that it can leave you hungry. Leona Pence loves to describe elaborate dishes and their smell. I still feel as if it lingers right under my nose. So be warned; read right after lunch or supper, or you might find yourself sneaking in the fridge before the book ends, or even better, poor yourself a glass of chilled wine and enjoy your afternoon reading.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews