Heatherfield

Time travel has always fascinated me, it is mysterious, romantic and a journey into the unknown. Heatherfield gives you all of these elements and more. This is my first time reading this particular author, M. Jean Pike, and I must say, it will not be my last. This book comes highly recommended on my list. I urge you to read Heatherfield. If you love fantasy and romance and times goneby, then this book is for you. Trisha Anne

Lots of people can put words together in a coherent manner in order to tell a story. It's quite another thing to infuse those words and stories with passion. For that reason it's rare that any work of fiction grabs my attention and won't let go until I reach the end. Ms. Pike has that passion and it permeates the entire story. And that kind of passion comes only from the heart and the courage to reveal much of oneself to the reader. One simply cannot write of such love and paranormal experiences without having lived it. And anyone who attempts to demean her understanding of the "paranormal" by suggesting it's lacking in so-called scientific explanations greatly confuses "scientifically-induced" altered states of consciousness with actual direct and personal experience of the limitless possibilities around us. Any attempt to limit "Heatherfield" to "just" a romance novel is a reflection on the reader and not Ms. Pike who is an amazing and talented writer. Indeed, "Bravo!"

M. Jean Pike has done it again with her novel Heatherfield following her delightful book, Waiting for the Rain. Meet Tory Sasser, a young woman who feels frustrated in her work as a counselor and loves to read. When she stops into her favorite bookstore, she's given an unfinished romance novel. As she finishes the book, her tears turn into new writing on the pages. Tory is pulled into the novel and she realizes she is now in a fictional town called Heatherfield and the year is 1949. The town is a creation of Destiny Page, a bad romance writer. Tory meets Jake Benjamin, a war veteran who lives alone as a recluse. Tory must help the residents of the town fight an evil developer while trying to find a way out for herself. Jean Pike does an admirable job creating believable characters with a credible plot. I found myself unable to put this book down and finished it quickly. This is an engrossing tale of love, romance, and drama. And yes, I am a male reading a romance novel. This book is not a sappy romance novel, it is a nice breath of fresh air and anyone will enjoy it. I eagerly await her next book.

I stumbled upon this little gem totally by accident--I'm so glad I did. This book was jam-packed with all sorts of good things--romance, suspense, time travel to the past, likable characters and nasty villains. Simply put, the writing was superb, the pace was perfect, and the many twists and turns had me glued to this book. I don't know how the author managed to deliver such a wallop in just 252 pages!! Jake is a tortured man, scarred both physically, and emotionally. Tory is pulled into the past, just after WWII has ended. She feels pain for what Jake has endured, but wants to get back to her own time, 1999. I tried to hold back my emotions on this one, but I could not--IT WAS THAT GOOD! The latter part of this book was like watching a really good action adventure movie--riveting! The ending, well, let's just say it totally floored me. Excellent! This is a MUST READ for lovers of romantic time travel. You will remember these characters and this poignant story long after you've read this book. It is truly a keeper.

Jean Pike has created an outstanding novel with Heatherfield. She takes the reader back to New York State in the 1940s and does it convincingly, something not every author can do. And she deftly combines a love story with the paranormal in a way that makes it totally believable. The reader can't help but love the central characters. I would like to say more about the story itself; but it wouldn't be fair to future readers who need to experience this intricate plot and group of complex characters for themselves. The ending will literally give you goose bumps. I thought Heatherfield was an absolute joy to read. Larry Hippler