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Fox Tale
Heights terrify Ava. When a stranger saves her from plunging down a mountain, he diverts her fears with tales of Japanese kitsune—shapeshifting foxes—and she begins a journey into the supernatural.
She’s attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.
She’s torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?
She’s attracted to Chase, both physically and metaphysically, yet primal instincts urge caution when shadows suggest more than meets the eye.
She’s torn between Chase and Rafe, her ex, when a chance reunion reignites their passion, but she struggles to overcome two years of bitter resentment. Did Rafe jilt her, or were they pawns of a larger conspiracy? Are the ancient legends true of kitsunes twisting time and events?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2024
About the author
Karen Hulene Bartell
26 books152 followersDr. Karen Hulene Bartell, author of Wild Rose Pass, The Keys: Voice of the Turtle, Christmas in Cahokia, Holy Water: Rule of Capture, Lone Star Christmas, Angels from Ashes, Christmas in Catalonia, Sacred Gift, Belize Navidad, Sacred Choices, and others, is a best-selling author, motivational keynote speaker, wife, and all-around pilgrim of life. She writes multicultural, offbeat love stories steeped in the supernatural that lift the spirit. Dr. Bartell lives in the Texas Hill Country with her husband Peter and her "mews"—three rescued cats and a rescued CATahoula Leopard dog.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 27, 2024
When I started reading Fox Tale I didn’t know what to expect after reading the summary but what I found lying between the pages was way different than anything I could ever have imagined. Fox Tale pulled me into its world the moment I read that first page.
From that moment on I was hooked and couldn’t stop reading as I tried to figure out what was going on. I kept guessing and wondering what it was all about from beginning to end. The twists just kept coming. I do believe I began to get a little dizzy just trying to keep up with all of them. LOL! I didn’t know what to expect from one page to the next. Fox Tale is a surprising read, to say the least.
Fox Tale kept me guessing as to what was real and what was not. There were times when I was wondering if someone wasn’t a little on the crazy side. It was intense with all the weird things that kept happening, especially with one of the characters.
I very much loved the world-building for this one as it was awesome. I don’t think I have ever read anything like it before. I can’t give Fox Tale enough praise as I truly loved it. I love the paranormal elements of the kitsune.
I would love to read more from the world of Fox Tale! I highly recommend Fox Tale to anyone who loves a good paranormal story! Grab a copy of Fox Tale today for a surprising and wonderful read!
From that moment on I was hooked and couldn’t stop reading as I tried to figure out what was going on. I kept guessing and wondering what it was all about from beginning to end. The twists just kept coming. I do believe I began to get a little dizzy just trying to keep up with all of them. LOL! I didn’t know what to expect from one page to the next. Fox Tale is a surprising read, to say the least.
Fox Tale kept me guessing as to what was real and what was not. There were times when I was wondering if someone wasn’t a little on the crazy side. It was intense with all the weird things that kept happening, especially with one of the characters.
I very much loved the world-building for this one as it was awesome. I don’t think I have ever read anything like it before. I can’t give Fox Tale enough praise as I truly loved it. I love the paranormal elements of the kitsune.
I would love to read more from the world of Fox Tale! I highly recommend Fox Tale to anyone who loves a good paranormal story! Grab a copy of Fox Tale today for a surprising and wonderful read!
March 26, 2024
If you’re a fan of paranormal romance, “Fox Tale” by Karen Hulene Bartell is a journey you won’t want to miss. Our protagonist, Ava, starts off with a fear of heights that’s as tangible as it gets. But her life takes a thrilling turn when a stranger saves her from a perilous mountain mishap. Quite an entrance, wouldn’t you agree?
The plot thickens when this enigmatic savior introduces Ava to the world of Japanese kitsune—shape-shifting foxes. Suddenly, she’s plunged into a realm of supernatural intrigue. The chemistry between Ava and her savior, Chase, is electric, like sparks flying on a warm summer night.
But just as Ava starts getting comfortable with Chase, her ex, Rafe, reappears, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. It’s a classic love triangle, with Ava torn between a budding romance and an old flame.
Adding to the suspense, Ava’s instincts warn her of impending danger. But what’s a good mystery without a protagonist who ignores a few warning signs, right? It’s this thrill of the unknown that keeps us flipping pages into the wee hours.
What sets “Fox Tale” apart is Bartell’s skill in weaving unique paranormal elements into the narrative. The blend of natural mirror warps with supernatural distortions is truly innovative. And the choice of foxes as the shape-shifters? Pure genius.
In conclusion, “Fox Tale” is a must-read for those who appreciate relatable characters, engaging backstories, and edge-of-your-seat plots. If you’re intrigued by shape-shifting tales, consider this book your next obsession. Trust me, it won’t disappoint.
Learn more about Fox Tale, Karen Hulene Bartell, and much more on my website: https://ginaraemitchell.com/fox-tale
(4.5/5.0)
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
The plot thickens when this enigmatic savior introduces Ava to the world of Japanese kitsune—shape-shifting foxes. Suddenly, she’s plunged into a realm of supernatural intrigue. The chemistry between Ava and her savior, Chase, is electric, like sparks flying on a warm summer night.
But just as Ava starts getting comfortable with Chase, her ex, Rafe, reappears, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. It’s a classic love triangle, with Ava torn between a budding romance and an old flame.
Adding to the suspense, Ava’s instincts warn her of impending danger. But what’s a good mystery without a protagonist who ignores a few warning signs, right? It’s this thrill of the unknown that keeps us flipping pages into the wee hours.
What sets “Fox Tale” apart is Bartell’s skill in weaving unique paranormal elements into the narrative. The blend of natural mirror warps with supernatural distortions is truly innovative. And the choice of foxes as the shape-shifters? Pure genius.
In conclusion, “Fox Tale” is a must-read for those who appreciate relatable characters, engaging backstories, and edge-of-your-seat plots. If you’re intrigued by shape-shifting tales, consider this book your next obsession. Trust me, it won’t disappoint.
Learn more about Fox Tale, Karen Hulene Bartell, and much more on my website: https://ginaraemitchell.com/fox-tale
(4.5/5.0)
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
April 15, 2024
Ava tumbles into the supernatural after a rescue by a stranger. Torn between two men, Ava discovers there might be truth behind the myth of kitsunes (shape shifting foxes). Fox Tale is a gripping paranormal romance I couldn’t put down. Karen Hulene Bartell weaves an incredible story with shape shifting foxes and romance. The characters are well-written. The world building is astounding. The romance fantastic. Escape to someplace mystical and full of shadows with Fox Tale.
Ava is the heroine in Fox Tale and what a great woman she is. I connected with her right away. I kept wanting to hug her as I was reading. She’s a wounded soul who undertakes a phenomenal journey. She’s also torn between two men. Which one will she choose? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
The rest of the characters are colorful yet shrouded in mystery. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially Chase and Rafe. Each character has their own personality and voice.
The world-building is what makes this book so fantastic. Layer upon layer, Karen Hulene Bartell builds a world full of myth, supernatural, and metaphysical. The more I read, the deeper I was drawn into this magical world. I felt like Alice following the rabbit. Bravo to the author on an incredible job.
I don’t know much about kitsune, I’m more of a were shifter kind of gal. But after reading Fox Tale, I’m hooked. A jaw-dropping paranormal romance not to be missed.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Ava is the heroine in Fox Tale and what a great woman she is. I connected with her right away. I kept wanting to hug her as I was reading. She’s a wounded soul who undertakes a phenomenal journey. She’s also torn between two men. Which one will she choose? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
The rest of the characters are colorful yet shrouded in mystery. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially Chase and Rafe. Each character has their own personality and voice.
The world-building is what makes this book so fantastic. Layer upon layer, Karen Hulene Bartell builds a world full of myth, supernatural, and metaphysical. The more I read, the deeper I was drawn into this magical world. I felt like Alice following the rabbit. Bravo to the author on an incredible job.
I don’t know much about kitsune, I’m more of a were shifter kind of gal. But after reading Fox Tale, I’m hooked. A jaw-dropping paranormal romance not to be missed.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
April 8, 2024
Ava West is on her first international writing assignment in Japan. Her fear of heights makes the climbing mountains and towers a challenge but also leads to her meeting Chase who has a mesmerizing way of showing her the soul of Kyoto. He shares not only the places but the legends of Japan with her. Ava's travelog takes the reader to these beautiful places and shows them to you through her eyes. I loved learning about the shape-shifting kitsune and seeing the shrines. The book switches locations between Kyoto and Japan and even to the past. It took a bit for me to be certain "where" I was in time and place but it fit Ava's sense of imbalance. Her friend Mia and past love Rafe are also key characters in the story.. The heavy paranormal aspects of the story outweigh the romance of it almost until the end. It is an intriguing, well written tale that will keep your attention to the very end. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are my own freely given.
April 27, 2024
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Ava is in Japan, writing a travel article. Meeting Chase, with his wonderful tales of Japanese myths and legends, helps her write a different take. But she never expected to meet up with her ex, Rafe, who left her two years ago without a word. Both men are hiking things. Can Ava choose?
I don't read reviews before I read a book, not anymore, but I will read them AFTER I've read said book, but before I write my review for one reason only: did they feel the same about this book as I did.
In this case: nope. They all loved this book and I . . . didn't.
I'm not saying I didn't like this book, I just found it hard work.
It's almost all written from Ava's point of view, in the first person. Rafe gets two very small bits, not even a chapter, in the third. I needed more from Rafe, and Chase, to be fair, to offset Ava.
There is a huge amount of repeated wording. Mostly around how Ava feels and thinks about Chase. "Apart from his silver hair, he looks young" or words to that effect are the most common. It began to get a bit much. "Seven hundred and seventy *something*, next winter" is another. The same things about the fox stories from Japanese lore pop up time and again too.
Apart from that, I liked this book. I couldn't see where it was going, nor how it was getting there, so when it did all go down, I was surprised and I liked the way it all happened.
Although there is the repetition of the lore, I did enjoy reading about the Japanese traditions and myths and legends.
There are some difficult topics here: death of a spouse, suicide, mental health issues and readers do need to be aware. Things are not how they seem, however, but the warning still needs to be made.
This is the first I've read of this author, and I always ask myself, will I read more? Not at this time. I won't say no to reading something else at a later date though.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ava is in Japan, writing a travel article. Meeting Chase, with his wonderful tales of Japanese myths and legends, helps her write a different take. But she never expected to meet up with her ex, Rafe, who left her two years ago without a word. Both men are hiking things. Can Ava choose?
I don't read reviews before I read a book, not anymore, but I will read them AFTER I've read said book, but before I write my review for one reason only: did they feel the same about this book as I did.
In this case: nope. They all loved this book and I . . . didn't.
I'm not saying I didn't like this book, I just found it hard work.
It's almost all written from Ava's point of view, in the first person. Rafe gets two very small bits, not even a chapter, in the third. I needed more from Rafe, and Chase, to be fair, to offset Ava.
There is a huge amount of repeated wording. Mostly around how Ava feels and thinks about Chase. "Apart from his silver hair, he looks young" or words to that effect are the most common. It began to get a bit much. "Seven hundred and seventy *something*, next winter" is another. The same things about the fox stories from Japanese lore pop up time and again too.
Apart from that, I liked this book. I couldn't see where it was going, nor how it was getting there, so when it did all go down, I was surprised and I liked the way it all happened.
Although there is the repetition of the lore, I did enjoy reading about the Japanese traditions and myths and legends.
There are some difficult topics here: death of a spouse, suicide, mental health issues and readers do need to be aware. Things are not how they seem, however, but the warning still needs to be made.
This is the first I've read of this author, and I always ask myself, will I read more? Not at this time. I won't say no to reading something else at a later date though.
3 good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
April 11, 2024
The blurb snagged me. I always enjoy novels rich in history or culture, and this one takes place in Japan. I swear the author’s been there because everything about this country came alive while I read.
I enjoyed the heroine Ava. She’s come a long way from her university days when she met and fell in love with Rafe, who broke her heart by marrying another woman. Now living in NYC, and working for a tourist magazine, she’s on assignment, staying with her former university roommate while in Japan.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-b7Y
I enjoyed the heroine Ava. She’s come a long way from her university days when she met and fell in love with Rafe, who broke her heart by marrying another woman. Now living in NYC, and working for a tourist magazine, she’s on assignment, staying with her former university roommate while in Japan.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-b7Y
April 8, 2024
Clever the way the way the author weaves Japanese myth, the supernatural, and a love story! A very good read.
April 8, 2024
Couldn’t put it down!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews