Book Review: Beautifully Broken by Sherry Soule ( Spellbound #1 )

Title: Beautifully Broken
Author: Sherry Soule
Series: Spellbound #1
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Publisher: Moonlight Publishing
Publication Date: August 30th 2011
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Buy it: Amazon
Summary from Goodreads;
Thirteenth daughter. Heritage witch. Demon slayer. 
They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse. 
When sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan. But Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list, and Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him. Complicated much? 
After receiving cryptic messages from a creepy wraith and frightening threats from a demon, Shiloh finally begins to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist. Now Shiloh must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.
Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.
Rating:
**** 4.5; Would recommend to most people.
Thoughts:
Starting this book, I was expecting a good read but I was completely blown away by what I read. The descriptions of the writer made everything come to live in this chilling read. I was left holding my nook in wonder and half expecting the characters to give me a scare in real life. ^.^ 

The plot follows Shiloh who has been living her whole life in the town of Whispering Pines, haunted by well, darkness. Then, a new guy moves into town, arising questions and answering others. I really enjoyed reading in Shiloh's character. She was a stubborn girl who just wanted some answers and I really felt for her and rooted her on. The only problem I had with her was that she was a tad too fast in accepting some things. Then again, all that's been going on since she was little and what she's known gives her a reasonable reason. Trent was like Damon Salvatore, yes, Damon; mysterious yet sweet and caring. He was the perfect match for Shiloh although sometimes I wanted to look him in the eye and scold him for some things he does. Like Shiloh's character though, he has reasons for his actions. The other characters all have roles in Soule's novel which was a prospect I really enjoyed. Not one of them showed up just for decor.
Beautifully Broken did contain some romance but it wasn't the focus of the story and I loved that fact! I don't think I would've enjoyed this style of plot if the main character was always worrying about how she looked in front of her love interested and when would be the next time she saw him. Don't get me wrong, there's still enough romance for those who are interested in that, it just isn't the main prospect. 
The ending was brilliant! I had chills from the events that took place then! Sherry ties up a lot of loose strings and gives a lot of answers away but she leaves more strings hanging loose. I wouldn't exactly call it a cliffhanger though. Then again, the last sentence does make you want to find out more. I can't wait for the release of Moonlight Mayhem, the second book in this series.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a beautifully detailed novel that will give you chills. I would also recommend this novel to fans of The Vampire Diaries, House of Night series, and the show Charmed.
First Sentence:

"For as long as I remember, I'd heard whispers in the shadows."

Quotes:

"Instead of hoping to study architecture, it occurred to me I should try out to be an actress, because I had mad skills. MTV might even star me in a reality TV show: A Girl's Guide to the Supernatural." - Page 11

"From an early age, I'd heard the rumors about the town curse. To others, the rumors were an urban legend. To me, reality. Because I saw what others only gossiped about." - Page 21 

Trailer: