The Eternal Trust
Breach of Trust
Essence of Trust
Ghostly Acts
Reviews
Critical Acclaim for THE ETERNAL TRUST
THE ETERNAL TRUST by Melinda Rucker Haynes Booklist Review ". . . a maelstrom of danger and adventure." Just after Dorel Everly has lost everything--her beloved grandfather, her engineering job with Boeing, her house-sitting job, and all her savings--a courier shows up with a samurai sword left to her by her grandfather. When she investigates selling it at a weapons show, she meets Michael Gabrielli, a pilot who had been a psychic spy in the military, and is swept with him into a maelstrom of danger and adventure involving ninjas and past-life experiences. Dorel and Michael had been linked with the mysterious sword through several lifetimes in an Eternal Trust as the Defender and Guardian. If they are to avoid a terrible death, Dorel must find a way to defeat the cycle. Originally published as an e-book, Haynes' tale won the 2001 Eppie Award (e-book) for Best Fantasy/Paranormal Romance. Diana Tixier Herald Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Publisher's Weekly (SF/Fantasy/Horror NOTES, June Publications) When Dorel Everly inherits a mysterious sword from her grandfather, it brings her a love she's known in a nother life, but his passion has a dangerous edge. Melinda Rucker Haynes's The Eternal Trust was originally released as an e-book, but with four stars from Romantic Times Magazine, it seems like a good bet for print--which it is: Haynes crafts a highly readable romance complete with a "trained psychic spy," a magical samurai sword, time travel and a lesson about the "transformational power of love." (Five Star, 277p ISBN 0-7862-4208-6) 4 Star Rating Romantic Times Magazine Laid off with no place to live and in need of money, Dorel Everly decides to sell the sword left to her by her grandfather. She has no idea that there is power beholden in the sword and that evil lurks until a strange encounter with Mike Gabrielli, a collector of ancient weapons, sets the wheels in motion. Betrayed by those closest to her, Dorel has no one to turn to expect Mike--who wants the sword more than anything else in life. As death and destruction follow them, Mike and Dorel work together to learn all they can of the sword. They must find a way to break the eternal trust they are bound to and the power the sword has over them. The Eternal Trust is a unique paranormal romance of good battling evil. Dorel is truly the heroine of the story, but Michael is definitely worth saving. A truly fascinating story. Susan Mobley, Romantic Times Magazine Very Highly Recommended, MIDWEST FICTION REVIEWS Paranormal romance? Reincarnation? Soul mates? Captives of their own destiny? Romantic suspense? An interesting, engrossing read? A real page turner? Oh, yes, all that and more. THE ETERNAL TRUST explores possibilities, raises blood pressure, and gives an absolutely blow your-mind read. House-sitter and newly out-of-work aeronautical engineer, Dorel Everly receives a legacy from her grandfather. The samurai sword brings the man she's been waiting for into her life. She learns he, airline pilot Michael Gabrielli, is a former military special ops psychic spy. He uses remote viewing to travel through time to find an ancient samurai sword that bestows vast power upon the owner. Her sword. He wants it and her, but from the looks and actions of the bad guys, his love for her could very well mean the death of both of them. Again. This is one of those books the reader will either love or hate--and will read it to the end to prove their emotional reaction is right. Okay, I confess, I loved it, loved every word, the plot, the characters, the dog, the cat, and the ending. No, I'm not going to give that away, but it is wonderful. Patricia White, Midwest Fiction Reviews, Under the Covers 4 Stars Rating Scribes World Reviews In the distant past, a samurai lord and his lady made a soul oath to reincarnate together in their next lifetime as the Defender and Guardian, he to battle evil, she to hold his sword in trust until his next incarnation was ready to resume the battle. But the power of the sword proved too tempting a lure, and her lord lived only to wield the sword in battle, lifetime after lifetime. Until now, when the Guardian has been reborn as fiercely independent Dorel Everly, the one woman who has a chance to break the Eternal Trust and set them both free. The current incarnation of the Defender, Michael Gabrielli, former Navy SEAL and Black Ops operative, and expert on all things martial and Japanese, is more than willing to lose himself to the power of the sword. But if he succumbs to the power of the sword, he'll lose Dorel forever. Is the power of their love sufficient to overcome the centuries-rich power of the sword? Can they defeat the enemies ranged against them without using the sword? The Eternal Trust is a Mobius strip of a story, twisting and turning and endlessly wrapping around itself as the primary plot, of Dorel and Michael's romance and attempt to survive long enough to destroy the Trust, weaves in and out of the stories of past Guardians and Defenders. Actions in one life have repercussions in the next, and answers to questions in this life can be found in the past. As a certified hypnotherapist, Melinda Rucker Haynes writes with an insider's knowledge about reincarnation, out of body experiences, astral projection and mental time travel that I found both compelling and intriguing. She also displays a wealth of detailed information about Japanese culture and military history that greatly enriches the story without ever overwhelming it. And her deft humor, especially regarding the antics of Michael's dog and cat, had me laughing out loud and reading passages of the book to members of my family. The primary characters, Dorel and Michael, as well as their last incarnation, Michiko and Fusao, are well-rounded and robust, as is the character of Dorel's grandfather, seen mainly in flashbacks and journal entries . . . the book remains an overall engrossing and enjoyable read. Jennifer Dunne, Scribes World Reviews Barnes & Noble Books, Paranormal Romance Reviews In Seattle, Boeing engineer Dorel Everly is laid off just two days after her beloved grandfather's funeral. Still in shock from the double blows, a monk visits Dorel at her home to give her an enclosed case that her grandfather entrusted to him. Dorel opens the case to see it contains a samurai sword. Desperate for money, Dorel leans towards selling the sword even if it is her grandfather's legacy. However, pilot Mike Gabrielli traces the sword to Dorel. He wants the sword, but also desires Dorel in his life. She reciprocates his feelings, but others are now aware of where the sword is. These malevolent beings will murder to possess this particular sword that contains special powers. Only if they trust in the love that has a long history well before the incarnation of Mike and Dorel and learn about THE ETERNAL TRUST that bound the sword to them might Mike and Dorel stand a chance to survive. THE ETERNAL TRUST is a cogent paranormal romance that centers on the battle between good and evil. Though the story line takes some adjustment to the flashbacks and journal entries, readers will find that even using that typically passive technique, the plot is action-packed yet the characters not lost in the focus. Mike is a wonderful hunk who will risk his life for his beloved while the heroine struggles to find her place in the latest war. Melinda Rucker Haynes provides a wonderful journey into a strange world that seems so real due to the author's ability to create quite a tale. Harriet Klausner (Cross-posted/Submitted to multiple review sites.) Romance Reviews Today, Jane Bowers Over fifty-five years ago in war-torn China, an ancient Samurai sword was pried from the dying hands of Baron Fusao Tsuji by his baroness and given to young US Navy Lieutenant Martin Everly. In the brief moments before joining her husband on a different plane of existence, she told Everly the sword was for his granddaughter, who would be the new guardian and who would have a chance to break the cycle and stop the killing. Doral Everly's life definitely hits a bad patch. Only two days after her beloved grandfather's funeral, she loses her job as a Boeing engineer, and the family for whom she's house-sitting comes home early. She's out of a job, out of a place to live, and will soon be out of money. Her grandfather's Leukemia drained their combined assets. The only bright spot is a visit from a Buddhist monk who brings the antique sword entrusted to him by her grandfather, a last legacy from Martin Everly, and one she hopes to sell for a good price at an arms collectors show. Mike Gabrielli has many talents. He's a commercial 747 pilot, a collector of oriental antiquities, an expert on antique arms, and an ex psychic spy for the military--Mike can send his astral body out into time and space. It's as though he's been waiting his whole life for something, and the call finally draws him toward the convention center and the booth of his friend, arms dealer Jonathan Spencer. And so the Guardian and the Protector meet in this life as their souls have met so many lives before. The sword has brought them together and promises them, "I will awaken to thy hand. Eternally shall we battle evil." While Mike easily accepts the sword and its power, Doral is skeptical and not a little afraid, and rightly so. Others want the sword for themselves--at any price. And just perhaps the power of the sword is not all for good. Remember what they say about power and corruption? The foundation premise of THE ETERNAL TRUST is that souls do not die, but move onto other levels of existence until they are born again. And sometimes communication can exist between levels, and memories can be recovered from past lives. Given that reality, the plot moves swiftly into edge of the seat suspense with betrayals, fights to the death, uncanny voices and a passion left over from centuries past. The story has strong internal and external conflict, and it's written for maximum effect. Often, when you think you have it all figured out, you find a surprise around the corner. Doral makes a strong modern heroine, but Mike is much more complex. Between his psychic abilities and the influence of the sword, and his mixed feeling for Doral, his next action is hard to predict. For a journey into the paranormal with thrills, chills and a clear demonstration of the importance and power of love, give THE ETERNAL TRUST a try. Author Recommendations: "Melinda Haynes is an incredible talent! The Eternal Trust is sure to entertain the most discriminating reader." Katherine Sutcliffe, USA Today Best-selling author "The Eternal Trust showcases Melinda Rucker haynes's lively style." Stella Cameron, New York Times Best-selling author ". . .dark and delicious---Melinda Rucker Haynes skillfully weaves suspense, adventure and mystery into every page." Pam Binder, New York Times Best-selling author
Critical Acclaim for BREACH OF TRUST
BREACH OF TRUST by Melinda Rucker Haynes The Sword Returns! Jonathan Spencer has no memory of being a psychic spy until past life hypnotherapist Dr. Rian Farsante helps him remember too much. He wants to trust her, but has good reasons to listen to his instincts. Rian knows the one thing Spence doesn't--his past. She's been hired to bring him back into the fold of psychic spies and assassins, and must accomplish her mission--even if it breaks her heart. Together, they discover their bond throughout eternity to each other and to an ancient sword that bestows vast power upon the owner. Thrust into a battle for life and love, Rian and Spence must overcome their separate and shared pasts if they are going to overcome the breach of trust between them. Publisher's Weekly Jonathan Spencer discovers through hypnotherapy that he's been a psychic spy in a past life. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information
Romantic Times Magazine ". . . entertaining paranormal romance BREACH OF TRUST by Melinda Rucker Haynes. Rian, a past-life hypnotherapist, works with Spence to break through the murky areas of his life. He finds more than he expected: ancient magic, past lives and psychic talents turned to nefarious purposes. Rian and Spence are linked to each other and to magic swords forged in blood a thousand years past. When Spence realizes he once worked undercover for a shadowy government agency that wiped his memory, he begins to suspect Rian is more than she seems." "exciting romantic fantasy" FIVE STARS In Seattle Jonathan Spencer senses his brain contains a Grand Canyon of a blank spot that feels as if he lost a major memory. His best friend informs Jonathan that they used to be psychic spies for the Navy when they were SEALs, but their memories were erased except that his buddy insists that he retained total recall. Jonathan cannot accept this weird explanation. Dr. Rian Farsante offers to help Jonathan deal with his problem including insomnia, but he rejects her overtures although he is immensely attracted to her. Rian likes Jonathan too, but regrets that her a ssignment is to bring him back into the active world of psychic espionage. As they become acquainted, since she seems to be everywhere, they fall in love. However, even a bond forged through eternity and previous lives together will probably fail, as this couple has to overcome distrust of one another and a powerful enemy. This exciting romantic fantasy will make believers of readers that reincarnation happens as Melinda Rucker Haynes blends her story line around that theme. The lead couple is a charming duet struggling to overcome her BREACH OF TRUST in their relationship while the support cast augments the depth fans see of the protagonists. Though much of the first half of the plot is domestic establishing the personalities of Jonathan and Rian, sub-genre fans will appreciate this fine tale. Harriet Klausner, Paranormal Romance Reviews, Barnes & Noble Reviews "The saga of 'The Trust' continues with Spence's story" Readers will not be disappointed in the eagerly anticipated sequel to The Eternal Trust. Ms. Haynes proves once again she is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the paranormal romance genre. Jonathon "Spence" Spencer does not remember much about his past, he does not remember he was once a part of a secret organization of spies who used psychic abilities to get information on their subjects. He does not remember he was once the best man on the team, or that he used to act as an assassin for this organization. He is perfectly content in the life he has created for himself as a security systems specialist over the past 5-10 years, the close relationship he has built with his best friend Mike Gabrielli and Mike's wife and son. Rian Farsante works undercover for Datascape, the biggest client Spence has in his small business, and unbeknownst to him, the very agency he worked for and of which he has no memory. Her cover, and her favored career, is a licensed psychologist specializing in past life regression therapy. Her real job was to track down Spence as Datascape wants him back for a mission only he can handle. What she never counted on was the connection between her and Spence, one that has lived through several of their past lives together. The samurai sword that brought Mike and Dorel together, changing their lives forever and nearly killing them, has been found. Despite being destroyed several years earlier by Spence, it still holds immense power in the curse placed on it at forging. Datascape wants that power for reasons unknown to any but the highest echelons of its organization and the only one who can repair the sword and awaken the power again is the very man who destroyed it. Some quick thinking on Rian's part, and months of work battering down his psychic defenses, convinces Spence to allow her to regress him when he starts having unexplainable lapses of consciousness. What they find in their sessions neither expected. They have a history of past lives together as a very-much-in-love pair of soul mates. Spence's memory does begin to come back as well, having terrible consequences for him and Rian. The two are in a race against time when they find out Datascape wants Spence at any cost, no matter the danger to any of those Spence loves. They must solve the mystery of the sword, and unlock their secrets, before it falls into the wrong hands. They must enlist Mike and Dorel's, whose past experience with the sword changed them for good, if they hope to conquer the evil once and for all. But secrets revealed bring about a huge betrayal, making Spence doubt those closest, not knowing who to trust. Revelations about the sword and its creation shock them all, turning everything upside down, and giving more reason to fear for their lives. They find they must rely on their love of many lifetimes, and trust that, if they ever hope to survive in this one. Hang on to your hats, and buckle up your seatbelts! You are in for quite an adventurous ride! With a plot that spans continents... and generations; this continuation of the saga of the Sword is non-stop. There is everything that makes a good romance (and adventure) great here with a hero to die for (quite literally for some), a strong heroine who knows how to take care of herself all the while being as feminine as can be, a mystery that takes so many twists and turns one never knows which end is up, ancient curses and untold powers, an ending that just screams for another story, what more could a reader ask for? Be forewarned this story is not for one looking for a light read. This plot is very complex - to the point it can be slightly confusing during flashback scenes if one is not paying close attention - and requires lots of thinking to follow the threads. This is a little bit slower of a read, not because of the story, but because the reader is thinking things through as they unfold. However, this is a fascinating story, with a glimpse into the otherwordly. It is apparent that Ms. Haynes is an expert in her field, being a hypnotherapist herself, and she weaves this knowledge into her story seamlessly. Also of note, this book's ending leaves no doubt in anyone's minds that the series will continue. This reviewer doesn't know how she'll be able to wait for the next chapter in this compelling series. This book is not to be missed! ©Kelley A. Hartsell, The Best Reviews, July 2003. All rights reserved. Author Recommendations: "Melinda Rucker Haynes takes readers on a breathless plunge into the realm of the sub-conscious. Spine-tingling and cutting-edge, BREACH OF TRUST is a highly original romantic thriller, offering a glimpse into realms that few authors dare to explore, let alone tackle with such incredible expertise." Susan Grant, best-selling author of CONTACT. "BREACH OF TRUST is a magical mystery tour of adventure and possibilities. Powerful and compelling, Melinda Rucker Haynes has penned a speculative fiction must-read novel! Don't miss this one!" Deb Stover, award-winning author of MULLIGAN MAGIC "Intriguing. Do not miss BREACH OF TRUST!" Stella Cameron, New York Times bestselling author. "Danger, romance and the quest for power are masterfully woven through Melinda Rucker Haynes' newest novel, BREACH OF TRUST." Pam Binder, New York Times best-selling author of MY SECRET PROTECTOR "A fantastic, fast-paced reincarnation adventure romance with unique new age twists. Wow!" Robin D. Owens, RITA award-winning author of HEARTMATE.
Critical Acclaim for ESSENCE OF TRUST
ESSENCE OF TRUST
Rian Farsante, a former psychic spy, now devotes her abilities to help people realize
their spiritual potential. Rian has a vision where she sees her godson Marty and his
parents Michael and Dorel in danger. She does not want to contact her former fiancé
and godfather to Marty, Jonathan Spencer, about Marty but feels she has no choice.
★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2
Melinda Rucker Haynes' highly acclaimed Trust saga concludes with Essence of Trust, the final book
in the trilogy.
© Kelley A. Hartsell, April 2005. All rights reserved.
ESSENCE OF TRUST
Dorel and Michael Gabrielli have more to worry about than the average parent. Their eleven-year-old son, Marty, is a psychic adept. He has displayed astonishing talents throughout his young life. Dorel and Michael are more understanding of this than most parents, since they had been involved with the world of psychic spying (called remote viewing) for years. Wanting to give Marty a normal life, however, they have turned their back on that world. But the past is about to come calling.
Reviewed by Deborah Hern, The Romance Reader's Connection
ESSENCE OF TRUST - Melinda Rucker Haynes
Six souls are united in the ever after, destined to live many lives with and through each other until they learn the lessons fate has in store for them. Mother, brother, lover, friend, and enemy are just a few of the shifting relationships Rian, Spence, Dorel, Michael, Marty and Ian will experience through several lifetimes, with the hands of the gods occasionally stirring the pot. But the time has come for a new breakthrough. For the One, or the Essence, is coming, and each of these individuals has a role to play to determine the fate of the world.
Kathy Samuels
Essence Of Trust by Melinda Rucker Haynes
Rian starts to have visions of Ian, her old boss, calling her back into the fold. Dreading the
sense of foreboding that envelops her she calls her ex-fiancé, Spence to warn him about
her vision. All she asks is that he contacts Mike and Dorel, friends that they had helped not
long ago in freeing them and their son from Ian's crazy plans. Now with the visions starting
she senses Ian is closer to completing his plans than she thought.
Reviewed by Laura for EnchantedinRomance.net.
Psychologist Rian Farsante begins having visions that her godson eleven year old Marty and his parents Michael and Dorel Gabrielli are in danger form her former employee, mentor, and lover Ian Stoddard of Datascape Systems. She calls her former partner and her last lover Jonathan Spencer to ask if Marty is okay, but instead of concern he demands she come back to him to create the Sword of Balance that he swears he will only use for good. Rian refuses having left her beloved because he is turning to the dark and the Swords of Balance that he and Ian covet will destroy his soul. Rian's vision turns out truer than she even dreamed as Michael and Dorel are murdered and Marty is abducted. Deciding rescuing Marty is top priority; Rian agrees to partner with her soulmate risking her life and soul by doing so. As the danger mounts with Ian having the support of the evil God Anubis, Jonathan pressures her to create a new Swords of Balance, but she remains reluctant as she does not trust her beloved even as Ian psychically tries to coerce her to return to him. ESSENCE OF TRUST is an exciting paranormal fantasy that grips readers once the triangular relationships between Rian, Jonathan, and Ian and their abilities surface. Rian is the key to the story line as the two men from her past demand she join their side of the dispute, but she distrusts both of them. Though complex and overloaded with otherworldly elements, fans of modern day fantasy thrillers can trust Melinda Rucker Haynes for providing an enchanting tale.
To the literal mind, Essence of Trust is the story of Rian Farsante and Jonathan Spencer who, together with Mike and Dorel Gabrielli, rush to save the Gabriellis' son, Marty, from kidnappers who are led by Dr. Ian Stoddard. But to the literary mind, this is a story of good and evil and the psychic forces at work around us all. It speaks of soul mates and reincarnation and chakras and shamans and, yes, the energy vortex located in Sedona, Arizona. It will matter not if you believe but merely that you keep an open mind. This book is for anyone who wishes to learn more than they know now. It will, due to our upbringing, mean different things to different people. To any religious belief, this novel can become a powerful parable. Strong intense characterizations and a mesmerizing story will keep you entertained as well as enlightened. Melinda Rucker Haynes tells a good story. Sit down and enjoy it.
Fallen Angel Reviews
Melinda Rucker Haynes' Essence of Trust is the third in the Eternal Trust Saga. It brings together
old friends Dorel and Michael, old lovers Rian and Spence, as well as old enemies Ian and Datascape
Systems International - in a tale that is bound to be thrilling in its complexity.
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"exciting paranormal fantasy" Reviewed by Harriet Klausner,
Amazon
Book Review
Alice Klien, Sime~Gen Book Reviews
