Amberston, California. Antiquities are Dana Graysons business and this town originating around the gold rush miners, houses part of her clientele and offers at the same time a wealth of history to aid in research necessary in her job. Her latest project, though, is a book she is penning on past ghostly events in Amberston. The mystery surrounding a fascinating old villa owned by one of the several central leading families in this town has always aroused her curiosity. Why did the family up and move to another mansion in the same town and basically abandon the beautiful old home? What basis is there behind the various rumours heard over the years concerning the house and grounds? What did the vision she had as a child mean in terms of the history of the old manor?

Kendra Devon Tayte is the granddaughter of Harold Devon, the family Patriarch and herself an interior designer professionally. She has often worked with Dana when needing particularly fine antiques for certain projects. Kendras husband Skylar manages the local nightclub, having brought it out of the doldrums and rolled it into a successful happening club. Chastity Evans is the hospital administrator where Harold has been often during his various sick spells over the years. She and Kendras grandmother really dislike each other. I wonder why.

Olivia Devon is Harolds wife, Kendras grandmother, and the foul mouthed woman is nothing more than a pain and never has a nice word for or to anyone. Kendra is shocked at the naked hatred she sees emanating from this woman, for her own husband. And she begins to realize just how unstable her grandmother must be. Just what are the secrets she doesnt want unearthed? Why is she the way she is?

The author has painted a vivid picture of Amberston, very picturesque. What an array of characters, much as one would expect from a rather small town. What mysteries are there in the townspeoples past? And the very big question is: Kendras grandfather has an important something to tell his beloved granddaughter and he grabs the chance, once he is alone with Kendra. What did he need to tell her?

This was a neat idea, I must say, and Im really curious where the story and characters will be going. Ill definitely follow it. Looking forward to seeing just what the sexy bartender Rocky has going for him! The emphasis on the hospital drinking fountain and what it represents to each individual was really well written into the story. Note: This series has also its own website (http://www.AmberQuill.com /AmberCircle). Keep your eyes on this one.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Glenda K. Bauerle
September 28, 2005