A review by jenny_reads_horror
The Atheist's Daughter by Renee Harrell

5.0

Having just finished this novel, I immediatly took it upstairs to my 13 year old step-daughter and said "You HAVE to read this!" She gave me a quizzical look and I said "yes, it is THAT good!" I am in love with this book, the characters, the storyline, the writing style, and especially the cover!!! Only a handful of covers have really gave me that 'wow' factor this year and this one had me.

The story starts with a entry of Kristin's diary, given to her by Dr. Ron at the mental institute where she spent about a year of her life. Why was she locked up? Well because Kristin is different, she can tell when someone is lying to her by how their mouths change (which is quite creepy when you read about it) and she freaked out at school when she witnessed it happen to a classmate. With only two people she can actually call friends, Hawkins, the pastor's son, and Liz ,she can't tell anyone what she sees because for one, no one will believe her and for two, they will just have her committed again. So not only does she feel like the town outcast because she has spent time locked up, she doesn't really have anyone she can tell these things to, feels like her town of Winterhaven is an eternal dead-end for her future, and just wants to get away. But with no money, no job prospects, no car, and her mom wanting to keep her at home forever it isn't looking good. When the local cafe is re-opened, Kristin knows something is NOT right with the new tenants but no one can see what she can see. They are not vampires, werewolves, not demons but they will suck your soul out if you have at least five good years of life left. These...um...let's just call them "things" gave me the heebie jeebies, seriously! I still have the willies and goosebumps just thinking about them, everything about them. When her mother's best friend turns up dead, and the "things" start becoming greedy and careless, the fight for Kristin's life becomes personal. Will she be able to stop the "things" before anyone else ends up unwillingly giving up their soul? Well, I'm not going to tell, you will have to read this outstanding novel yourself to find out!

I had to read this with the lights on. I am still creeped out. I am honored that I was asked to read and review this novel by the authors. I am excited for the second book in this Winterhaven series, The Preacher's Son, to be released. I will be re-reading this one again. A lot of action and story in a quick read for only $2.99!! Highly recommended five star read!