Reviews

Ember's Secret by Catherine Peace

authorcpeace's review

I am so excited for this book to be in the world again. Ember's Secret isn't a typical paranormal romance-it's softer, there's no power grab, but there is plenty of drama. Ember is at war with herself, with her overprotective father, with her desires and goals. What she wants most is little more than a wish when Austin comes into her life and upends everything.

For me, this book is as much of a comfort as the recipes Ember makes to connect to her Maori heritage. Coming from Appalachia, where food is a love language, I understand how important cooking and caring for family are, and that shines through Em. I adore her, and I hope you do too.

tracyreadslots's review

4.25

 

What an amazingly descriptive book by a new to me author. 

The world described can easily be pictured; the description of the food does literally make your mouth water. 

We meet Ember a shifter frim Maori descent, in hiding in Wyoming, living with her dad and running her business. Her life is her café and wanting her sisters back. 

Austin is a television chef moving around the country in and old RV, making a documentary on BBQ food, when the aforementioned RV breaks down and leaves them stranded in the small town where the only place to get real food is Embers Café. 

The relationship slowly builds, as Ember and Austin spend time together. As they move to the solstice Ember knows her secret may soon come to light. 

A lovely book that I could easily visualise every part of 

Looking forward to moving onto the second story. 

 

jaimie0459's review

adventurous emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I was so surprised by this book! When I first started reading it I forgot that it was about shifters. I haven't read many "shifter" books outside of the normal werewolves and such, so I LOVED seeing some other animals being brought into the genera. Ember has a big secret and with the Solstice coming up quickly she's not sure if she can keep that secret much longer. She want to see more people in her café and in turn be reunited with her two sisters. Her café only sees people that are passing through and she hasn't turned a good profit in years. Cooking for people she never sees twice is lonely and not at all what she wants out of her café. Food brings people together. She wants more out of her life and she wants more for her café. But can she risk it? Austin is the host of a popular Food TV show Back Road Eats. He's tired of the same old easy dependable American grilling and BBQ. And being on the road more and more is wearing him out. A chef tv host who's burnt out on food! While on the way to one last round of shows before heading home his RV breaks down in the middle of no where Wyoming. Dreading the extended stay while him and his camera and editing crew wait for a part for the RV, they learn of a Maori restaurant and his interest is piqued! Sick of BBQ, burgers, and all the normal Back Road Eats he's been eating for the past few years he is ready to try something new. Once he meets Ember and tries her food he can't leave without getting her to do his show! He can't believe the flavors that she brings out in all her dishes. Everything he tries, he loves! But she's terrified and family comes first. Her father forbids anything to do with the show and he is all she has left. Family first. Can Austin get Ember to do the show? Does Ember bring her whole world down around her and put what little family she has left in danger? Will she get them killed? Will she ever get her café full of people who fall in love with her food? It's clear that Austin loves more than just her food too! What will come of that?! Dealing with his own father drama he doesn't want to push to hard. Does he push her away? Or will they over come fears and trials and come together? You have to read to find out!!! You won't be disappointed!!

mandykim's review

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

5.0

5/5 Stars

Ember's Secret (Solstice Quartet #1) by Catherine Peace

This is the first book I've read by the author. Ember's Secret is a great read and an easy one at that. The next book is something I'm looking forward to.

Ember has always had a dream, but doesn't think she can make it happen. When she meets Austin it's close to Solstice. With his help will she be able to make her dream come true? The quote I chose for Ember is: “These dishes turned into a blend of traditional and … something. I wouldn’t call it fusion, but it’s different. Maybe more Americanized than I’d like. I tried a new appetizer and new entree. Wanted to get your opinion.”

Austin is a foodie by heart and wants to own his own restaurant. Breaking down in the middle of nowhere may be a blessing in disguise. Can he make his dream of settling down and being a chef come true? The quote I chose for Austin is: “Getting down those ideas you mentioned last night and implementing them as soon as possible.”

Highly recommended for Paranormal Fantasy lovers.

wolfsbane26's review

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book is the first book of the Solstice Quartet series and it is a great introduction to the world.

Ember lost everything years ago when hunters showed up at their tribe and slaughtered and kidnapped all of their people including her own mother. They come from a tribe of swan shifters. Her sister Dia led the hunters away from Ember, their father and their other sister Amy so they could get away. Years later and they still have no idea what happened to Dia which makes them feel the need to hide.

 Ember is a chef and owner of a small cafe. She loves to cook. Unfortunately living in a small town not used to ethnic food made her cafe empty most of the time. Due to her father’s paranoia, Ember hasn’t done much to change this until she meets Austin.

Austin is a host of a show that goes to different restaurants and reviews them. After entering Ember’s cafe he is smitten instantly. With her, with her food, her passion and her energy and knows that she deserves more customers in her place of work. 

Austin tries to convince her to take part in an episode that will most likely bring clientele in. With her past, she is unsure where to go from here.

There was chemistry between these two from the very beginning. They seemed like soul mates. Instantly they got along and spoke like they've known each other for years. There was a strong will they/won’t they between the two while they tried to fight their feelings and dark past. There wasn’t much action but like i said it was a very good introduction to the world as you get to read flashbacks and memories. The world in of itself is unique. It talks of Maori traditions. It was very interesting to read.

tpriest's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

5.0

I binge read all three books this weekend! Absolutely amazing series! The family works through their struggles as a result of a horrible tragedy. Each learning to cope and move forward on their own while longing to eventually reunite.

emilyhei's review

4.0

Austin Garten would ordinarily say he has it all, as a tv host to a food show that has him traveling all over sampling foods and entertaining viewers with his knowledge and take on the culinary delights. However, Austin could say sometimes it does become redundant and when the RV breaks down he and the crew ends up finding a Maori restaurant that he cant seem to stay away from. The owner Ember is entrancing and Austin is definitely intrigued by the stunning chef, but there is a sadness about her he can't seem to put his finger on.

Ember has a secret and she begins to fall for Austin she knows inevitably she will have to reveal it. Will Austin be able to accept her or walk out of her life?

Enchanting story. The descriptions of the food had me wanting to recreate the dish and sample everything. I liked that their was an initial shyness between Austin and Ember, the flow of the story was perfect. Great book, look forward to more from this author.

aims2read's review

emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced

5.0

 Honestly, I looked at this book a few times before I decided to commit. It is right up my alley, what with the main character being far from normal, though the synopsis certainly didn't do it justice. This author weaves a story full of colourful notes, flavors, personalities, life goals and dreams.
 
 Austin and Ember are two halves made whole from the moment they laid eyes on each other. It's a tale as old as time, the zing that made the air sizzle. I loved the way the reader feels so connected to Ember, anticipating thoughts and hardships, and rooting for her along the way. Austin has this winning personality and just wants to help and won't take no for an answer. Truly, I loved the way their story blooms, and the way Austin, Ray, and Joel are there, becoming more like her family, every step of the way! I felt like I was in Kai watching this story unfold, and I cannot wait to continue this beautiful adventure with the next installment. Read it, you won't be disappointed! 

rayne's review

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced

4.0

Captivating

A wonderful well written fantasy romance that has beautiful imagery. A unique mix of mythology, paranormal and culture, held my interest til the end. The characterisation was interesting as I felt more connected with Ember as the story progressed. With such a strong first book in the series I am curious as to where the story will go. 

hjfrizz17's review

5.0

 This book was fantastic! The complexity of the characters was fabulous and the relationships between them were so realistic. All the food as well sounded amazing and I really wished I could taste it! The conflicts in each of their lives were so relatable and I definitely felt for Austin in his worry for his mom while his father was so sick. But Ember’s struggle with the trauma of her past makes me sad, although I truly adore her way of connecting to and keeping her past alive through using what she learned from her mom about cooking to keep her restaurant alive.