Wonderfully engaging story

I love this book! I've read it several times. Each time I read it I learn or catch some new twist or fact that I didn't the prior read. This is a fun story full of twists and rich in descriptions. The characters are engaging. The history is intriguing. Just can't put it down each time I read it! Can't wait for book two!!

Amazon Customer, March 20, 2016

Amazon Review

Superposition: Time and Place

[...] a genre that moves between the present and the past intertwining historical characters with contemporary protagonists. DeBerry King must have personal knowledge of the life of a teacher in an independent school along with empathy for the teenage boy. She does an excellent job of creating a visual background for her novel, set concurrently in the Civil War era and in the present day. It was easy to "see" layers of history folding upon itself like a fog that momentarily thins before rolling in again to hide the scene. There were times I felt myself drawn into Jordan's world as she was spirited to a distant past. I hope not too much time must past before we learn of Santi's and Jordan's future.

Mary Fahning, January 24, 2016, Amazon Review

Excellent story....it pulls you in from page one!

This is a review…there is no need to invoke the term “spoiler alert”.

I was drawn to House Key since I am an artist as well as a fan of historical fiction. When you read this novel you will understand how I was drawn into the story. Although House Key is a sizable tome, I read it in one weekend.

I read Ms. King’s debut novel as soon as it became available in electronic format. I prefer electronic format since I have the ability to highlight (and store) exceptional content and write notes for future reference. [Continues...]

Excellent story....it pulls you in from page one!

[...Continued] When I search for reading material, my criteria is very selective. I’m searching for a good story to sustain my attention, provide character development to support the plot, and contain threads of history (where I am sure to learn something new). But most importantly, I’m searching for a good story that portrays the author’s ability to compose beautifully written sentences. Once I finish the novel, and I’m satisfied, I immediately seek out additional work by the author. [Continues...]

Excellent story....it pulls you in from page one!

[...Continued] I was hooked on House Key as soon as I read the prologue. At that point I knew that my criteria would be met, but I didn’t realize that my expectations would be greatly exceeded until I became fully immersed in Jordan and Santiago’s saga. [Continues...]

Excellent story....it pulls you in from page one!

[...Continued] As an example of Ms. King’s ability to orchestrate words, sentences, and concept into great prose, I electronically highlighted this quote (from Jordan’s point of view) that describes a mysteriously hidden room in the House. “The Indian-ness of the study, I realized, did not match my notion of the American West, alternately romanticized or demonized on television and in the movies I watched growing up. History told by the victors did not necessarily include a lot of truth about the vanquished, I decided. And how could it? The dominant culture, busy promoting its own values and traditions while rooting in new soil, thriving, and prospering, would care little about preserving the culture of the vanquished, let alone bothering to understand it. ” [Continues...]

Excellent story....it pulls you in from page one!

[...Continued] I was hooked on House Key as soon as I read the prologue. At that point I knew that my criteria would be met, but I didn’t realize that my expectations would be greatly exceeded until I became fully immersed in Jordan and Santiago’s saga. [Continues...]

Excellent story....it pulls you in from page one!

[...Continued] Last but not least, House Key has a healthy dose of sexual tension. However, House Key is much more than your typical romance-centered novel. The sexual tension developed throughout the plot only adds to the other elements (mentioned above) which made it a truly enjoyable and memorable read.

I was thoroughly satisfied and I am looking forward to reading Ms. King’s sequel to House Key.

Today, January 29, 2016

Amazon Review

Stay with this book, it draws you in; nice read!

I ended up really liking this book. It started a bit slowly for me, but I kept at it and was really drawn into it in the second half. By the end of the book, I was invested in the characters, and found myself looking forward to the next Rosa King book in the trilogy. I would have started it right away had it been available! I love historical fiction and was impressed with the depth of historical detail woven into the story, clearly well-researched. The detail is quite rich, the character development solid, though it does take some succinct focus to keep track - not unlike and actually less than other historical fiction I have read. There is lovely rich prose, usually flowing naturally. I look forward to the next book in the trilogy!

Tech Crazy, December 18, 2015, Amazon Review

This is an amazing work of fiction

This is an amazing work of fiction! It combines Native American history, a well-researched backdrop in the Virginia countryside, with a plot that will grab you from the first page not to let you go to the end. Rosa DeBerry King has done a masterful job developing multi-faceted and deeply riveting characters. This is a novel you don't want to miss.

Heribert von Feilitzsch, November 27, 2015

Amazon Review

House Key

This is a wonderful book. I love being transported to a geographical area with rich characters and interesting storyline. Rosa draws upon her rich experiences and background to weave a tale that will captivate you and keep you eagerly waiting for the next volume in the series. Five stars[.]

Ed S., October 31, 2015

Amazon Review

Such a great read! DeBerry King's storyline leaves you pondering the mysteries of life and the hereafter while thoughtfully referencing Cuban, Scottish, Spanish, French, American Indian, African American and Southern (American) cultural beliefs. Her beautiful prose brings to mind the Masters of Magic Realism and the chemistry between her protagonists--Whoa! Hot stuff! Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

Suzanne, October 13, 2015

Goodreads Review

Enchantingly written, fascinating novel

A fascinating novel beautifully crafted by a master storyteller. I tried to "save" it for bedside reading during the week, but just didn't want to put it down, and so happily read from cover to cover on a weekend. A mix of characters to identify with, a combination of historical and present-day, I love this book, and can't wait to share this discovery with friends. House Key: A Novel is inspiring, educational and fun - well worth the read.

Mary Ellen Hickman, August 15, 2015

Amazon Review

As the title implies is a book about a key and a house. This house holds mysteries about generations past and current. Is a love story and history story all in one novel. Starts with present generation in involving a teacher and her student. He notices something strong between them even though a relationship would be taboo. He goes to college and they are reunited at his graduation. Thus begins the love story and the revelation of the house mysteries. Keeps one searching to find out all the house has to reveal from the past. Did enjoy this book but did get bogged down with some details. Is a big book so takes a little time to read it. Do think this author has a future and await the 2nd book. Takes place in Virginia which is also a plus as is my home state. Read this book if you like romance and historical fiction.

Jackie Rogers, August 12, 2015, Goodreads Review

I don't like giving away the whole story. The house key is a love story that spans generations and is full of magic. A house that is very old with ghost that protect it and the land it stands on. This was a very well written book that I stayed up many nights in one week to look at the clock and see it was almost five a.m. in the morning. Can't wait to read the next book. It was almost like i was inside of the story.

Rochelle, July 30, 2015

Goodreads Review

Entertains, educates and motivates

House Key is a fun mixture of history, romance and even a little whimsical fantasy. The author clearly did her homework in preparation for this book because she includes a lot of detail that brings the story, the characters and American History to life. To me a successful book entertains, educates and motivates and House Key does all three. I highly recommend this book and eagerly anticipate the sequels.

Nancy P., July 11, 2015

Amazon Review

My new favorite book! Couldn't put it down

My new favorite book! Couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next one! Ms. King is a phenomenal writer :)

Dona Rodgers, November 16, 2014

Amazon Review

Five Stars

Great read! Steeped in the traditions and lore of The Virginia Piedmont.

Michael Maloney, November 2, 2014

Amazon Review

Great book to get lost in

This is a great book. It's rich with detail that completely immerses you in the story. I loved that the characters weren't your usual "suspects". I was kept wanting more of each characters story till the very end. It was a great read.

Jill S. Mitchell, August 16, 2014

Amazon Review