Erryn reviews ‘Winter Oranges (Winter Magic Book 1)’ by Marie Sexton. This book was released on July 8, 2022, and is 290 pgs long. The audiobook version of this story was narrated by Nick J. Russo. It was released on December 7, 2016, and is 8 hrs and 4 mins long.
Why I read this book: I love Marie Sexton and the synopsis had me intrigued.
Jason Walker is a child star turned teen heartthrob turned reluctant B-movie regular who’s sick of his failing career. So he gives up Hollywood for northern Idaho, far away from the press, the drama of LA, and the best friend he’s secretly been in love with for years.
There’s only one problem with his new life: a strange young man only he can see is haunting his guesthouse. Except Benjamin Ward isn’t a ghost. He’s a man caught out of time, trapped since the Civil War in a magical prison where he can only watch the lives of those around him. He’s also sweet, funny, and cute as hell, with an affinity for cheesy ’80s TV shows. And he’s thrilled to finally have someone to talk to.
But Jason quickly discovers that spending all his time with a man nobody else can see or hear isn’t without its problems – especially when the tabloids find him again and make him front-page news. The local sheriff thinks he’s on drugs, and his best friend thinks he’s crazy. But Jason knows he hasn’t lost his mind. Too bad he can’t say the same thing about his heart.
Buy Links: Audible | Amazon | Add to Goodreads
My Review:
I love Marie Sexton and I’m embarrassed to say I’ve had this audio in my collection for years but hadn’t listened to it. When book 2 came out, I planned a double listen.
This audio is just lovely in so many ways. First, Nick J. Russo did a great job narrating it – he always does stellar work and he nailed this one.
Secondly, was the story. The premise is so simple and yet so difficult to execute. Benjamin is stuck in a magic snow globe. Crazy, right? No one can see him, but he’s seen the world go by since the Civil War. I ached for him – knowing about almost everything that’s happened in the world, yet never being able to talk to anyone about it.
Jason’s the opposite of protected. He was a child star and exploited repeatedly for his star status. He’s had several run-ins with the tabloids and is super paranoid. Every once and a while I’d think he was over the top and then I’d remember some of the things TMZ has shown over the years without a care for who they might hurt.
Okay, so Jason can see Benjamin. But they can’t touch. Unless… (Okay, magic stuff that you’ll just have to read the book to find out about.)
I loved this story. I loved the possibilities and, most especially, I loved the ending. I was so excited I dove into the second one right away.
My Rating:
10/10 Points of Gold (100% Recommended) – Compares to 5/5 Stars
Website | Twitter: @MarieSexton | Goodreads
Marie Sexton lives in Colorado. She’s a fan of just about anything that involves muscular young men piling on top of each other. In particular, she loves the Denver Broncos and enjoys going to the games with her husband. Her imaginary friends often tag along. Marie has one daughter, two cats, and one dog, all of whom seem bent on destroying what remains of her sanity. She loves them anyway.
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