When a Stranger Comes... by Karen S. Bell

Book Description...

"Satisfying one's greed can come at a devilishly high cost.

Achieving what you crave can also bring the terrifying fear of losing it. For Alexa Wainwright, this truth has become her nightmare. Born Gladys Lipschitz, the daughter of an unwed Soviet-era Jewish immigrant, she was beyond thrilled and amazed when her debut novel, A Foregone Conclusion, soared to number one on the bestseller's list and became an international sensation. The accompanying fame and riches were beyond her expectations. Unfortunately, her subsequent work has yet to achieve the same reception by critics and readers. Yes, they have sold well based on her name recognition, but she dreads the possibility of becoming a mid-list author forgotten and ignored. She vows to do whatever it takes to attain the heady ego-stroking success of her debut. But is she really?

Witnessing an out-of-the-blue lightning bolt whose giant tendrils spread over the blue sky and city streets below her loft window, Alexa doesn't realize just how this vow will be tested as she's magically transported to an alternate reality. In this universe, the characters from her books are given the breath of life and she meets publisher, King Blakemore, who just might be the Devil himself. At first, she shrugs off her doubts about this peculiar publisher and very lucrative book deal offer because the temptation of riches and refound fame is too strong. But all too soon, Alexa realizes she's trapped in an underworld of evil from which she desperately wants to escape. For starters, she finds herself in an iron-clad book contract that changes its wording whenever she thinks of a loophole. Desperate to get her life back, she devises schemes to untether herself from this hellish existence. She's also aided by the forces for good who attempt to help her.

However, King Blakemore is cleverer and more powerful than she can begin to understand. Playfully, he decides to give Alexa a second chance to save herself from eternity with him and to be free. He offers her the prospect of a rewrite, as most authors do as part of the writing process. Given this chance, will A Satisfying one's greed can come at a devilishly high cost.

Title:  When a Stranger Comes

Author:  Karen  S. Bell

Publisher:  K.S.B.

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"When a Stranger Comes" by Karen S. Bell

My Thoughts....

All I will say is that this author really knows how to keep the reader in suspense in this 'magical realism, paranormal and  supernatural read.  It was quite interesting seeing Alexa Wainwright born [Gladys Lipschitz] as she 'soared to the number one  bestsellers list and became an international sensation.'

What will Alexa have to do remain on high as 'she vows to do whatever it takes to attain the heady ego-stroking success of her debut? '  Now this is where this story will take a switch as the character Alexa realizes that 'this vow will be tested as she's magically transported to a alternate reality.'

I liked how this author was able to present such a unique magic, paranormal and supernatural read that will keep you on pins and needles taking this read all in.  The characters were all so well developed, portrayed and delivered to the reader. There are a lots of questions that are needed to be answered .... such as ..how will Alexa make it in this world that is so full of loopholes [especially after 'she finds herself in this iron-clad book contract that even changes its wording on her novels?'  All of this happens  after she becomes involved with the publisher King Blakemore... signing a contract Alexa doesn't even remember and why were the people Alexa meets seemed to come right from her novels?  How and why was King Blakemore able to do all the things he was doing to Alexa?  What was Evangelina and Kips play in all of this so important to this read?   Who was in the tale that was truly a big help to Alexa  in understanding her background and why was this so very important in this read?   What will happen as Alexa finds herself into a situation she sees no way out of?  What all will come of this reveal as Alexa gets 'a second chance to save herself from eternity with Blakemore and be free?' Now, to finds all of the answers to these questions and so much more in this well written story you will just have to pick up and read "When a Stranger Comes" and see how it is presented and comes out.

In the end after being given a second chance will Alexa to get it right this time will she be able to make a more a more sensible choice or will she make the same mistake again by going after the money?  Well, as this story end at least Alexa has someone new in her life...her dog Trinity who definitely seems to care for her especially after coming back to reality[or was it?] and also having her mom and Margaret back in her life after all is said and done.  What was now going on with Alexa's publishing company that had been sold to Blakemore Media head by CEO King Blakemore and the email that was sent saying "Enjoy your second chance. Make wise choices in this rewrite of your life, milaya moyna." Will Alexa be done with her 'Darkside Trilogy?' Again, to know what this story is all about you will have to pick up "When a Stranger Comes" and would definitely recommend as a good read.

To the author....Thank you for the privilege of reading your novel and giving my honest review of it.