Goddess by Deborah Hemming

What a thrilling read! Goddess by Deborah Hemming first grabbed my attention because the beautiful cover yanked me in. Then when I cracked open the book, I could not stop reading.

The story starts off gently enough with the introduction of writer Agnes Oliver. Agnes is being swept up in a whirlwind book tour with her first book, an instant bestseller, and is headed to New York for a public appearance and book signing. She’s nervous about all of the new demands on her as an up-and-coming writer and is enthralled by how life has changed for her. On the flight to NYC, Agnes meets the interesting and handsome filmmaker Jack Verity, the ex-husband of the world-famous film star turned wellness guru, Geia Stone. Geia Stone’s lifestyle brand, Goddess, is known everywhere for its beauty product must-haves, regardless of the expensive price tag. They promote these products in the name of self-care, personal wellness, and inner-focused nourishment. Jack and Agnes hit it off and Agnes finds herself invited to a party where she meets gorgeous Geia and learns more about Goddess products.

“Deborah Hemming’s superbly written story has just enough tease to please.”

Strange things happen that catch Agnes’s attention, and indeed her writer’s curiosity kicks in. Agnes wants to find out more when she receives an invitation to attend the Goddess Summit, an exclusive gathering for a select few of Geia’s devoted followers. The Goddess Summit is to be held for ten remarkable days on a far-off Greek island. What better place for Agnes to spend time observing than on a beautiful Greek island enjoying the spa life of the rich and famous? Once on the Greek island, can Agnes find out the secrets to the allure she feels in this intoxicating place with enigmatic Geia at the helm?

Goddess takes hold and won’t let go. I had to stick close to Agnes to find out what it is she was searching for in this mysterious place, where what seems one thing on the surface may well be something quite different. Who is Geia and how can Agnes best protect the unsuspecting guests who have come here to be a part of this celebrity’s inner circle?

Deborah Hemming’s superbly written story has just enough tease to please. Perfectly paced, the story is loaded with mystery, has short chapters, interesting characters, and a slow build-up, that kept me on the edge until the last explosive scene. From the book back: “A propulsive and captivating story about beauty and influence, self-doubt and seduction, Goddess is the electrifying new novel from a talented writer to watch.”

The release date for Goddess is February 14. I will be watching for more from this Nova Scotia author. Goddess by Deborah Hemming does not disappoint and hits the mark on every level.

DEBORAH HEMMING is the author of Throw Down Your Shadows, which was a finalist for the 2021 ReLit Novel Award. She studied English at McGill University and the University of King’s College, and Information Studies at Dalhousie University. She lives in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, with her partner and son. deborahhemming.com

Publisher ‏ : ‎ House of Anansi Press (Feb. 14 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1487011113
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1487011116

Carrie Stanton

Managing Editor

TMR’s Managing Editor Carrie Stanton has a BA in Political Science from the University of Calgary. She is the author of The Jewel and Beast Bot, and picture books, Emmie and the Fierce Dragon and The Gardener. Carrie loves to write stories that grow wings and transport readers everywhere. She reads and enjoys stories from every genre.