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Little Red Gem
"It really impressed me that the author combined all of her talents — writing, songwriting and singing — to bring this poignant YA paranormal to life." Robin Covington USA Today
A bitter sweet, foolhardy mission it is to want to know how much the boy you love loves you back. Ruby Parker, a sixteen year old singer in an all girl band, one day finds herself on such a mission and then there’s no going back, no matter how crazy that mission makes you.
With the aid of bad advice from a ghost who is trapped by a curse, a little bit of magic courtesy of her unsuspecting half-sister, and a televised music talent show coming to town to hold auditions, Ruby Parker makes more of a mess in death than she ever did in life. Bad choices, right choices, she’ll do whatever it takes to find out how much Leo loved her. Because her life truly does depend on the answer.
Can she fix everything before it’s too late? Or will she spend eternity as a ghost, haunted by the unknown depths of love?
Either way, one thing Ruby learns is that while love can make you do crazy things, it can make you do amazing things too. But at what cost?
A bitter sweet, foolhardy mission it is to want to know how much the boy you love loves you back. Ruby Parker, a sixteen year old singer in an all girl band, one day finds herself on such a mission and then there’s no going back, no matter how crazy that mission makes you.
With the aid of bad advice from a ghost who is trapped by a curse, a little bit of magic courtesy of her unsuspecting half-sister, and a televised music talent show coming to town to hold auditions, Ruby Parker makes more of a mess in death than she ever did in life. Bad choices, right choices, she’ll do whatever it takes to find out how much Leo loved her. Because her life truly does depend on the answer.
Can she fix everything before it’s too late? Or will she spend eternity as a ghost, haunted by the unknown depths of love?
Either way, one thing Ruby learns is that while love can make you do crazy things, it can make you do amazing things too. But at what cost?
223 pages, ebook
First published October 12, 2013
6 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
About the author
D.L. Richardson
29 books356 followersD L Richardson is the author of "The Apocalypse Games" series. She had also written supernatural thrillers and YA paranormal standalone books.
She is currently working on finishing her next sci-fi series "Earth Quarantined: 197 Years After."
When she's not writing, she is gardening, renovating the house, reading, or playing the piano and guitar.
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If you liked this book, your recommendation is the best way for others to discover this title.
She is currently working on finishing her next sci-fi series "Earth Quarantined: 197 Years After."
When she's not writing, she is gardening, renovating the house, reading, or playing the piano and guitar.
VISIT MY AMAZON PAGE
https://www.amazon.com/D-L-Richardson...
VISIT MY FACEBOOK PAGE
https://www.facebook.com/DLRichardson...
VISIT MY TWITTER PAGE
http://twitter.com/#!/DLRichardson1
CHECK MY BLOG:
http://dlrichardsonwrites.blogspot.com
Join the VIP list for updates on books and exclusive VIP member giveaways. Details on the author website.
If you liked this book, your recommendation is the best way for others to discover this title.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 25, 2015
What I Thought:
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of depth, emotion, adventure, real- life moments and a bit of my fav, paranormal!
This book is about a girl who passes through to the afterlife. She soon discovers the love that another had for her and sets off on a journey to find out more and correct her past. She soon finds that things aren't always what they seem and are never as easy as they first appear. She catches herself in a series of mix-ups and messes, and tries to correct them before it is too late. Along the way, she also learns a lot about love and what it can provide.
I liked the characters. I felt like the author made them very real. They had depth and personality, making them easy to connect with. Plus, even though one of them was a ghost, they were dealing with adventures and lessons that we all learn in life...and hopefully mistakes we haven't made.
The world was completely real and believable. I felt as though I was there, with the level of description the author provided for the surroundings. The story also had an excellent pace. There was enough pausing and slower movement to really make you feel what the characters were feeling, but there was also a quicker pace to give you a feeling of urgency.
Overall, this is an excellent book. It is very well written, has depth and personality, is completely real and believable and the adventures hook you straight away. I highly recommend this read!
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of depth, emotion, adventure, real- life moments and a bit of my fav, paranormal!
This book is about a girl who passes through to the afterlife. She soon discovers the love that another had for her and sets off on a journey to find out more and correct her past. She soon finds that things aren't always what they seem and are never as easy as they first appear. She catches herself in a series of mix-ups and messes, and tries to correct them before it is too late. Along the way, she also learns a lot about love and what it can provide.
I liked the characters. I felt like the author made them very real. They had depth and personality, making them easy to connect with. Plus, even though one of them was a ghost, they were dealing with adventures and lessons that we all learn in life...and hopefully mistakes we haven't made.
The world was completely real and believable. I felt as though I was there, with the level of description the author provided for the surroundings. The story also had an excellent pace. There was enough pausing and slower movement to really make you feel what the characters were feeling, but there was also a quicker pace to give you a feeling of urgency.
Overall, this is an excellent book. It is very well written, has depth and personality, is completely real and believable and the adventures hook you straight away. I highly recommend this read!
March 12, 2015
Reviewed for Readers Favorite
Ruby was having a bad couple of weeks, things just didn't feel right between her and boyfriend Leo, and this is when she really needed them to be the most right. In a fit of anger Ruby drives away from Leo and is killed in a car crash, but her ghost is left behind to wander the earth, trying to get the one answer Ruby didn't get from Leo before the crash, who much he really loved her. Little Red Gem follows the ghost Ruby as she tries to follow Leo, and her old friends and find out what is going on. As young teenagers, this love is eternal and the most important question to Ruby, she has to know. D L Richardson write a tell of teenage love, mixed with rock and roll, and the everyday issues surrounding teens.
D L Richardson does an amazing job blending music into this book. Not only is Leo in and band and writing his own songs, but Ruby was in a band and writing her own songs. A number of original songs, written by the author, specifically for the book are in the book which is unique and fun, making it more relevant to teens. Little Red Gem deals with a number of issues that face teens today including drinking and pregnancy. It also presents parents that are flawed and have made mistakes, who are maybe a bit more understanding and not your typical sit-com parents. This is a great book for teens and young adults, even adults will enjoy the book. A fun read.
Ruby was having a bad couple of weeks, things just didn't feel right between her and boyfriend Leo, and this is when she really needed them to be the most right. In a fit of anger Ruby drives away from Leo and is killed in a car crash, but her ghost is left behind to wander the earth, trying to get the one answer Ruby didn't get from Leo before the crash, who much he really loved her. Little Red Gem follows the ghost Ruby as she tries to follow Leo, and her old friends and find out what is going on. As young teenagers, this love is eternal and the most important question to Ruby, she has to know. D L Richardson write a tell of teenage love, mixed with rock and roll, and the everyday issues surrounding teens.
D L Richardson does an amazing job blending music into this book. Not only is Leo in and band and writing his own songs, but Ruby was in a band and writing her own songs. A number of original songs, written by the author, specifically for the book are in the book which is unique and fun, making it more relevant to teens. Little Red Gem deals with a number of issues that face teens today including drinking and pregnancy. It also presents parents that are flawed and have made mistakes, who are maybe a bit more understanding and not your typical sit-com parents. This is a great book for teens and young adults, even adults will enjoy the book. A fun read.
January 6, 2014
~Received for free from First Reads on Goodreads
IF YOU LOVE TEENAGE ROMANCE CROSSED WITH GHOSTS, READ THIS PLEASE!
This book was the perfect mixture of real-life teenage angst and romance combined with the paranormal side of ghosts and possessions. The main protagonist Ruby was the most frustrating main character of a book I have ever read, but the reasons behind this made perfect sense. I didn't love her any less, I just hated her choices. She at times was cruel, deceiving and self-centered. But it was for love and as a teenager that made it alright in her mind. She was able to rectify this in the end with a realisation that what she was doing was selfish as she tries to help another cursed couple.
I think the book was too short for my liking. However the ending was pleasing and satisfying.
I thoroughly recommend this to anyone who loves to read teenage romance at its most raw and to those who enjoy a good paranormal story. D L Richardson's writing style is clear and concise and makes it an easy book to devour in a day or two.
IF YOU LOVE TEENAGE ROMANCE CROSSED WITH GHOSTS, READ THIS PLEASE!
This book was the perfect mixture of real-life teenage angst and romance combined with the paranormal side of ghosts and possessions. The main protagonist Ruby was the most frustrating main character of a book I have ever read, but the reasons behind this made perfect sense. I didn't love her any less, I just hated her choices. She at times was cruel, deceiving and self-centered. But it was for love and as a teenager that made it alright in her mind. She was able to rectify this in the end with a realisation that what she was doing was selfish as she tries to help another cursed couple.
I think the book was too short for my liking. However the ending was pleasing and satisfying.
I thoroughly recommend this to anyone who loves to read teenage romance at its most raw and to those who enjoy a good paranormal story. D L Richardson's writing style is clear and concise and makes it an easy book to devour in a day or two.
July 11, 2014
I received this book as an Early Reviewer Copy through LibraryThing.com and was really looking forward to reading and reviewing.
Immediately engaged with the characters, I was intrigued to discover where the story would take us and how Ruby's life would unfold. Seemingly a typical teenage story, I was surprised to find it was a paranormal romance, the twist giving an added dimension and edge to it.
It was great to see the different relationships develop, as Ruby tries to fix one problem and creates so many more. I love that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and personality trumps perception.
I was a little surprised with the ending, which came quite suddenly and was a little superfluous. Given the events throughout the story, if this could have happened then why didn't it happen sooner? It felt a little as if the story had to end so let's do it this way. A further proof read would also be beneficial, as (albeit minor) typos can be very distracting.
All in all, however, it was a good read full of twists, turns and a humour which I thoroughly enjoyed. I would definitely recommend it as a light read, and look forward to more from this author.
Immediately engaged with the characters, I was intrigued to discover where the story would take us and how Ruby's life would unfold. Seemingly a typical teenage story, I was surprised to find it was a paranormal romance, the twist giving an added dimension and edge to it.
It was great to see the different relationships develop, as Ruby tries to fix one problem and creates so many more. I love that the eyes are the windows to the soul, and personality trumps perception.
I was a little surprised with the ending, which came quite suddenly and was a little superfluous. Given the events throughout the story, if this could have happened then why didn't it happen sooner? It felt a little as if the story had to end so let's do it this way. A further proof read would also be beneficial, as (albeit minor) typos can be very distracting.
All in all, however, it was a good read full of twists, turns and a humour which I thoroughly enjoyed. I would definitely recommend it as a light read, and look forward to more from this author.
November 15, 2013
This is both a sweet and frustrating book. Ruby and her poor decision making in death, aided by a misguided young man who just happens to be a centuries old ghost, irritated me. However, you cannot deny that despite her tender age, she and Leo definitely have a deep and true love for one another.
Finding out that she is a pregnant and rushing to crash a jam session with the guys, Ruby has to know if Leo truly loves her. Becoming upset at the response, she crashes and dies and becomes a ghost. Befriending Anne & William, two ghosts desperately in love with one another and yet never able to be together thanks to their curse, Ruby decides she cannot let poor Leo be so sad. So she hijacks her sister's body and sets about to live on...
A lovely paranormal romance with an ending that will make you smile as you definitely do not see the opportunity she has coming!
Finding out that she is a pregnant and rushing to crash a jam session with the guys, Ruby has to know if Leo truly loves her. Becoming upset at the response, she crashes and dies and becomes a ghost. Befriending Anne & William, two ghosts desperately in love with one another and yet never able to be together thanks to their curse, Ruby decides she cannot let poor Leo be so sad. So she hijacks her sister's body and sets about to live on...
A lovely paranormal romance with an ending that will make you smile as you definitely do not see the opportunity she has coming!
March 29, 2016
Ruby Parker dies in a car crash after having a fight with her boyfriend, Leo, but she doesn't realize she's dead until she encounters her half-sister Audrey, who is able to communicate with her. With a bit of help from Audrey and a couple of cursed ghosts, Ruby sets out on a mission to find out if Leo really loved her.
This is a complex narrative full of interesting characters and back stories. Music, fantasy, and romance combine to create a magical story of young love. The author's musical background and talent shine through in the song lyrics, which are particularly poignant.
This is a sad, heart-wrenching book that will end up putting a smile on your face.
I really enjoyed this one.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com...
This is a complex narrative full of interesting characters and back stories. Music, fantasy, and romance combine to create a magical story of young love. The author's musical background and talent shine through in the song lyrics, which are particularly poignant.
This is a sad, heart-wrenching book that will end up putting a smile on your face.
I really enjoyed this one.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post: http://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com...
August 6, 2016
This book entails a girl on a mission unlike those you have heard about. What would you do at 17 if you loved a boy more than life itself and wanted nothing more than to know he loved you just as much? For this teen coming back from the dead is just the beginning. After her death she finds that there is only one unanswered question and she must find the answer to it. Even if it means taking on a life that is not hers, going beyond the bounds of death and learning to be someone she is not, she will get her questions answered. With a surprise ending I did not even guess. Recommended for ages 12 and up!!
May 7, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a great teenage paranormal romance with some frustrating times. I was frustrated at choices the main character made but it was all part of the story. The storyline flowed well and the characters were well developed. I would recommend this to anyone who likes YA paranormal stories. Look forward to reading more from this author.
This was a great teenage paranormal romance with some frustrating times. I was frustrated at choices the main character made but it was all part of the story. The storyline flowed well and the characters were well developed. I would recommend this to anyone who likes YA paranormal stories. Look forward to reading more from this author.
November 17, 2013
At times this book made me irritated primarily relating to the choices Ruby was making and how she came across as pretty self centered. Then the light bulb turned on for Ruby and the transformation occurred and I was able to connect more with Ruby.
This book flowed well and kept my attention throughout the book. I loved the ending!
This book flowed well and kept my attention throughout the book. I loved the ending!
December 23, 2020
I absolutely loved this book!
“One Little Spell” is a well-written, original, and interesting tale of a young girl’s journey in the afterlife. The characters are realistic and authentic with a depth that keeps you engrossed in this tale. The main character, Ruby is not finished with this life, she has things to learn, and a journey she must complete. This is truly an inspiring tale that I could read again and again. Highly Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review
“One Little Spell” is a well-written, original, and interesting tale of a young girl’s journey in the afterlife. The characters are realistic and authentic with a depth that keeps you engrossed in this tale. The main character, Ruby is not finished with this life, she has things to learn, and a journey she must complete. This is truly an inspiring tale that I could read again and again. Highly Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review
January 17, 2021
She was just 17 when everything changed for her when she died and she ends up as a ghost. She is now trapped in a house with two other ghost. All she wants to do is get back to her life as she needs to know if he loves her. How can she get back? How will she do? Follow her to find out what will happen next
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2020
I quite enjoyed this story , Following Ruby's journey into afterlife as she looks for her true love and seeing how things turn out, Meeting Some good characters along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2021
A good ya paranormal book
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews