Ciao, amici! I have a treat for urban fantasy fans today. Not one but TWO book reviews of Jacquie Biggar’s Mended Souls series.
It might not be fair to pigeon-hole this series as urban fantasy. It’s so much more. There’s mystery, there’s romance. There’s danger. Really, there’s something for everybody.
★★★★★ Heart-Wrenching and Hopeful
I’ve read a handful of titles written by Jacquie Biggar in a few different genres, and one thing remains the same throughout—she doesn’t disappoint.
The Guardian absolutely doesn’t.
This novel plays the “what if” game and asks, “What if you’re the only survivor of a car crash that claims your sister and best friend—and your best friend comes back?”
No, this isn’t a weird Pet Sematary kind of thing. Lucas (the dead best friend) comes back in supernatural form. As an angel.
Oh, how I wish it were true and we could all see our loved ones again. (Not that life as an angel is all it’s cracked up to be for poor Lucas.)
This is a beautifully written tale of grief and hope. But before you write it off as too speculative or sappy, let me tell you about the murder mystery. And the red-hot romance.
Yes, Ms. Biggar has managed to wrap all that and more into a read-in-one-sitting novel. I tore through the pages, desperate to know if Scott and Tracy would lower their guards or harden their hearts. I needed to know if Lucas and Mike could put aside their differences to move on. I was desperate to find out who was behind it all and why.
Sorry; I’m not going to tell you. I highly recommend you read the book yourself for the answers to these questions and more. I enjoyed every word and eagerly began reading the second installment of the series the second I was done with this one.
★★★★★ A Gripping Supernatural Suspense
This is the second book in Jacquie Biggar’s Mended Souls series, and I can’t believe I managed it, but I read it even faster than the first one.
We pick up not long after the first book ended, and we learn more about the relationship between begrudging teammates Lucas and Mike—or rather, we learn how much that relationship has degraded.
We also get to see how the survivors have moved on, particularly Julie, Mike’s widow. She’s now a reporter, and she’s stumbled onto a career-making story. It could be the big break she’s been hoping for. It could also spell disaster, as it lands her on a serial killer’s radar.
We get the chance to further explore the personal histories of the main characters while watching a romance bloom and a mystery unfold. The escalating stakes and the increasing inner turmoil (for all the characters) had me racing to the end.
I thoroughly recommend this second novel in the series for fans of supernatural suspense novels, and I’m eagerly awaiting the third.
I hope you join me in wishing Jacquie much success with this series. But maybe use those share buttons first?
Grazie!
Excellent reviews, Staci! The Mended Souls series will be added to my TBR 😀
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I really enjoyed them. If you like angel stories, you’ll love these.
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Wow! These book covers are amazing!! Those alone would sell me but your reviews sealed the deal. These are both now must-reads for me! Thanks, Staci!
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Glad to have enticed you, Jan. 🙂
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Fantastic reviews to share, Staci. Cheers to Jacquie! 🙂
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Thanks, Natalie. 😀
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Thank you, Natalie. I’m happy dancing (and glad no one is there to see me, lol)
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Best of luck with the series Jacquie!
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She doesn’t need luck, Jess (she’s a talented writing machine), but I’m sure she appreciates the good wishes, anyway. Thanks for dropping by.
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Nice to hear of folks doing so well!
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Thank you, Jessica. I hope I do it justice (fingers and toes crossed!)
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Go, Jacquie!
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I haven’t read a work of hers yet that I didn’t love.
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Lol, thank you!
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Fabulous review, Staci. Jacquie truly is an extraordinary writer. Hugs to you both.
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Thank you, Teagan! That means the world coming from you ❤
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She really is, Teagan. Thanks for dropping by!
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Reblogged this on Jacquie Biggar-USA Today Best-selling author and commented:
I’m humbled and slightly teary-eyed at the wonderful reviews for the Mended Souls series from Staci Smith Troilo. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
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Just calling it as I see it. I’m glad to have put a smile on your face (though I feel a bit bad about the tear in your eye).
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They’re happy tears 🙂
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I have also read and loved both of these books, Staci. I am nearly finished reading Tempted by Mr Wrong. Jacquie is a great writer.
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Oooh. Tempted bu Mr. Wrong was a good one, too. Jacquie is a great writer.
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Thank you so much, Robbie. Deeply appreciate your support!
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I didn’t know Jacquie wrote fantasy. Well, these two sound like they have everything a reader could ask for. Great reviews! Sharing…
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It certainly ticked a lot of boxes for me, Jina.
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Thanks for the shares, Jina! I guess that’s the joy of pantsing- I write whatever enters my head, whether it fits the mold or not, lol
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it’s the best way to write!
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Great reviews, Staci! Both sit on my TBR list. Jacquie’s books have never disappointed.
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TBR lists make my want to cry. I keep adding to mine and I know I’ll never catch up. If you get to these on yours, I’m certain you’ll enjoy them.
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Thank you, Denise! And yes, my TBR list is half of Amazon, I think, lol
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Loved the reviews, Staci. Sounds like my kind of book.
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There is a romance element, which I know isn’t your thing, but I think you’d really love the lore she created.
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Hi Michele,
I wrote The Guardian not long after losing my grandmother, and while Lucas is nothing like her (though she was feisty :)) I’d like to think my dad and her are up there watching over us.
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I believe our loved ones are never far. I’m sure she and your dad are smiling down at you.
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❤
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Jacquie, Like Staci, I believe our loved ones are with us, watching over us.
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It gives me comfort to believe that ❤️
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Me, too.
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Great reviews! These books sound like a wonderful mix of all things good.
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That’s a perfect description, Judi. 🙂
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Other than the serial killer part, yes, lol.
Thanks, Judi!
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Well, there’s that…
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I like the sound of the supernatural aspect and mystery. Great reviews, Staci, and congrats to Jacquie!
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I think the angels were my favorite part of the stories. (And there were lots of great parts to choose from.) Thanks, Teri.
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Thank you, Teri. This is just what I needed after a rough couple of weeks. {{hugs}} a thousand times over to Staci!
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Great reviews, Staci. I read The Beast Within and was smitten by the combination of plot threads AND the great characters Jacquie created. Lovely to see both books getting screen time here!
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I read these back to back. I was sucked in. Thanks, Mae.
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Thank you, Mae! Do you know there are still left feet in sneakers showing up randomly on the west coast? Creepy!
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I did not know that. Now I’m creeped out.
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I know right? It’s too weird!
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So bizarre!!
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Sounds like a great series. I’ve read one of Jacqui’s books and thoroughly enjoyed it. More for my TBR list. 🙂
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Her whole catalog is on my read or to-be-read list. The problem is, she writes faster than I can keep up!
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I wish I could write (and read) that fast!
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Thank you, Joan, appreciated!
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This sounds like a fantastic series, Staci. Another set of books for my TBR. Reblogged on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/jacquie-biggars-mended-souls-series-bookreview-supernatural/
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You’d love them, Harmony. And I believe the series will be continuing!
Thanks for reblogging.
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Oh, wow! Thanks for the reblog, Harmony!
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