Thursday, October 27, 2016

ARC Review: Once a Gypsy by Danica Winters

Once a Gypsy
Author: Danica Winters
Series: The Irish Traveller Series (Book 1)
Publication: Diversion Publishing (November 1, 2016)

Description: Thrilling and romantic, Once a Gypsy starts a brand new series from award-winning author Danica Winters.

“A haunting and fresh voice in paranormal romance. Be prepared for Danica Winters to ensnare you in her dark and seductive world.”―Cecy Robson, author of the Weird Girls series and 2016 Double-Nominated RITA® Finalist

Even for a clairvoyant, the future is never a sure thing.

Helena has always struggled to fit in with her Irish Traveller family. It’s not just her opposition to getting married or her determination to attend university; Helena also has one talent that sets her apart from the rest of her clan―the gift of the Forshaw, the ability to see the future.

Graham is the groundskeeper at a manor in Adare, Ireland. Though the estate appears idyllic, it holds dark secrets, and despite his own supernatural gifts, Graham can’t solve Adare Manor’s problems by himself. Desperate for help, Graham seeks out a last resort: Helena, whose skills are far greater than even she knows.

When he promises to teach her to control her powers, Helena resists, afraid both of the damage her abilities might do and her increasing attraction to the handsome groundskeeper. Her entire way of life is at risk: Any involvement, especially romantic, with non-Travellers like Graham is forbidden. But Helena’s future is anything but certain, and fate has other plans for her family, her powers, and her relationship with Graham.

My Thoughts: This contemporary fantasy is set in Ireland. The main character Helena is a Traveller but is having trouble fitting in because the things she wants aren't things Traveller girls shoudl want. She doesn't want to marry and she wants to attend university. When she discovers that she also has the gift of Forshaw and can see the future, things don't get easier for her.

Helena meets Graham who wants to use her gifts to help his younger brother. They are attracted to each other but Helena knows that nothing can come of their relationship or she will be forced to leave her family. Her older sister made that choice and Helena can see that she isn't happy.

Graham does manage to convince Helena to use her gifts despite her reluctance. She also lacks self-confidence largely due to her mother's habit of always putting her down. Helena wants to be helpful and also wants to find her own place in the world.

Even more than a fantasy, this story was a exploration of a young woman looking for her place and the world and deciding what she is willing to give up to have it. It is the first book in a new series and there are lots of dangling plot threads that will probably be addressed in later episodes.

Favorite Quote:
The woman was wrong. All Helena had to do was take one long look at her older sister to know that they didn't always stick around. When things got hard, when her older sister made choices that their culture didn't believe in, the people who were supposed to have her back were the first ones to get to running.
I got this ARC from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

1 comment:

  1. This sounds good! I like that it is unique - I haven't read many series that are about Irish Travellers. Or any, for that matter. Another for the list! :)

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