Savannah Carlisle
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Book Reviews

Book Review: When We Believed in Mermaids

When We Believed in Mermaids audiobook

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I was immediately drawn in by the title of this one: When We Believed in Mermaids. Then I heard the first line, and I was hooked! As a writer we’re always told you have to grab people right off the bat, and this opening certainly does it:

My sister has been dead for nearly fifteen years when I see her on the TV news.

Seriously, who can put a book down after that first line? And I’m here to tell you…the payoff is there. You know how sometimes you read a book and it starts out strong only to fall flat? I promise this isn’t one of those books!

Kit Bianci’s sister Josie was killed on a train during a terrorist attack 15 years earlier when she swears she spots her on the news during coverage of a nightclub fire in Auckland. Both she and her mother are so convinced the woman looks like Josie that Kit decides to travel to New Zealand to try and find the woman. But, of course, there’s more to the story than Kit imagines.

I listened to the audiobook, and I flew threw it in just a few days. I had to know if it was really her sister she saw, and why did she think her sister might still be alive anyway? And if she was, why had she hidden from her family?

Start a free trial to Audible Plus and listen now for free!

And…the circumstances around the sister’s being presumed dead aren’t the only mystery in this one. There are family secrets hiding around every corner — like in a psychological thriller, but in more of a real-life family drama sort of way.

It’s beautifully written at a nice pace with enough mystery to keep you tearing through it as fast as you can. I definitely recommend this one from Barbara O’Neal!

Looking for more reading recommendations? Check out my other book reviews!

XOXO
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Book Review: When We Believed in Mermaids

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I write small town romance novels set in beachy locations. Stick an umbrella in your drink and go on a mental vacation with me!

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Two years ago, I sat in the same spot in Breckenri Two years ago, I sat in the same spot in Breckenridge I'm sitting in right now and started my second manuscript, a take on You've Got Mail where enemies in real life were falling in love via anonymous notes left in a Little Free Library. 💌

Yesterday, after two years of editing, parting ways with my agent, months of querying and wondering if this book would ever make it out into the world, I signed a contract that gets me one step closer to that goal! 🎉

I can't wait to be able to share more with you, but what I can tell you now is that you have to believe in yourself and never give up.

"If you got a dream, chase it, 'cause a dream won't chase you back." - Cody Johnson ('Til You Can't)

I know it can feel like the power to make your dream come true lies in someone else's hands (agents, publishers, etc.), but just because they can say no doesn't mean you have to listen. Remember: it only takes one yes.

What dream are you chasing right now? I'm rooting for you! 👊
I might feel differently if I didn't live at the b I might feel differently if I didn't live at the beach...but it's skiing for me! ⛷️ 

I'm currently in my happy place: Breckenridge, Colorado! This week, I'm probably doing more writing than reading, but I might start an ARC I have from a favorite author. 

What's your favorite type of spring vacation? Any particular destination?

And what book are you packing?
After an incredible Friday night seeing Taylor Swi After an incredible Friday night seeing Taylor Swift in Vegas, last night we went to see Miranda Lambert. She was also fantastic!

Loved getting to experience The House That Built Me live. ♥️ The first novel I finished writing is based on that song. I'm currently editing it in the hopes of getting it published after writing a second novel and feeling like it was the stronger one to query to agents and publishers.

Experiencing the entire crowd last night sing along with Miranda, I'm reenergized to edit and find a home for this book. I've wanted to write a book based on that song since I first heard it, and I'm not ready to give up on it!

Also...she might have another song I now feel compelled to turn into a book! 😉
Sometimes the writing I do for my day job as a spo Sometimes the writing I do for my day job as a sports business reporter turns into opportunities to be on TV. Yesterday was one of those days!

I spent yesterday in Connecticut filming with the crew from Nightline for their weekly show IMPACT x Nightline on Hulu. 🎥 For those who follow college sports, we were talking about the evolution of name, image and likeness rights for student athletes. 

My episode will drop next Wednesday, March 30th on Hulu! 

Until then...I'm off to Vegas for Taylor Swift and Miranda Lambert for my bestie's birthday! 🎲
Headed on a 10-day epic work/play trip to NYC, Veg Headed on a 10-day epic work/play trip to NYC, Vegas and Breckenridge! 🛫

Twelve years ago, I started a sports business blog on a free little WordPress site. Tomorrow, I'm filming with ABC for Nightline's weekly Hulu show IMPACT x Nightline!

I never imagined my little writing hobby would take me away from practicing corporate law to being a national sports business reporter, published nonfiction author and hopefully soon-to-be fiction author! ♥️

Dream big, my friends. ✨ I'm rooting for you!!
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