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Garda: Welcome to the Realm
“He is my destiny.”
There is a place that lies between heaven and Earth, it is called The Realm. Within this place, the Guards of Peace, known as Garda Síochána, learn to guide and protect the ones that live below until they are called home.
Officer Corey Hamilton is dedicated to being the best that she can be, in uniform and out. Her loving nature, compassionate thoughts, and warrior strength make her the perfect candidate to join the Garda Síochána and spend her eternity protecting and guiding others.
Just before Corey dies in a line-of-duty accident, she meets Officer Mitchell O’Reilly. Her feelings for him may change her destiny, but not for the better, as she falls in love with this married man. Brock, Corey’s personal Garda, will bring her home to The Realm and attempt to train her for her future, even while she still fights for her past. Will Brock be able to direct Corey down the right path, or will she cross the line and fall from grace?
Join Corey, Mitchell, and Brock for an emotional and heart-pounding adventure that is sure to make you wonder if angels are really guiding us in our everyday lives.
There is a place that lies between heaven and Earth, it is called The Realm. Within this place, the Guards of Peace, known as Garda Síochána, learn to guide and protect the ones that live below until they are called home.
Officer Corey Hamilton is dedicated to being the best that she can be, in uniform and out. Her loving nature, compassionate thoughts, and warrior strength make her the perfect candidate to join the Garda Síochána and spend her eternity protecting and guiding others.
Just before Corey dies in a line-of-duty accident, she meets Officer Mitchell O’Reilly. Her feelings for him may change her destiny, but not for the better, as she falls in love with this married man. Brock, Corey’s personal Garda, will bring her home to The Realm and attempt to train her for her future, even while she still fights for her past. Will Brock be able to direct Corey down the right path, or will she cross the line and fall from grace?
Join Corey, Mitchell, and Brock for an emotional and heart-pounding adventure that is sure to make you wonder if angels are really guiding us in our everyday lives.
358 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
About the author
Stacy Eaton
161 books606 followersStacy Eaton is a USA Today Best Selling author and began her writing career in October of 2010. Stacy took an early retirement from law enforcement after over fifteen years of service in 2016, with her last three years in investigations and crime scene investigation to write full time.
Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, who works in law enforcement, and her teen daughter. She also has a son who is currently serving in the United States Navy.
Stacy is very involved in Domestic Violence Awareness and served on the Board of Directors for her local Domestic Violence Center for three years.
Visit her website: www.stacyeaton.com
Stacy resides in southeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, who works in law enforcement, and her teen daughter. She also has a son who is currently serving in the United States Navy.
Stacy is very involved in Domestic Violence Awareness and served on the Board of Directors for her local Domestic Violence Center for three years.
Visit her website: www.stacyeaton.com
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 20, 2013
Blending authentic police procedures with romance and the touch of angel, author Stacy Eaton introduces readers to starcrossed lovers—one betrayed, the other married to someone else—and proceeds to cross them even more. Corey surely has the heart of an angel, and Mitch has an honest intent to be faithful to his vows. But one mistake has awesome consequences, tugging the heartstrings, intriguing the imagination, and raising fascinating questions about the assumptions we make when communication grows too thin.
Coincidence and communication have fascinating possibilities in this novel as guardians beyond the realms of the law risk all for love. I hope the author will continue writing these characters. She’s certainly created a pleasing mythology of good and evil to go with the world of police work and the realm of the guards. Even the minor characters resonate with stories yet untold.
A pleasingly easy read that lingers when the last page is turned, Garda is an enjoyable mix of action and imagination, love and drama, and temptations and consequences. Plus it’s a great start to something more.
Disclosure: I was given a free eARC to enjoy when the author visited my blog.
Coincidence and communication have fascinating possibilities in this novel as guardians beyond the realms of the law risk all for love. I hope the author will continue writing these characters. She’s certainly created a pleasing mythology of good and evil to go with the world of police work and the realm of the guards. Even the minor characters resonate with stories yet untold.
A pleasingly easy read that lingers when the last page is turned, Garda is an enjoyable mix of action and imagination, love and drama, and temptations and consequences. Plus it’s a great start to something more.
Disclosure: I was given a free eARC to enjoy when the author visited my blog.
March 14, 2013
message 1: by Pat (new) - rated it 5 stars 1 minute ago
This is Ms. Easton's fourth novel. It is part police procedural, love story, and an introduction to The Realm. It is fascinating.
Corey Hamilton is a by the book police officer who loves her job. She is admired by her peers, believes in the law, and honesty. In her off duty time she volunteers at various charities and one of her co workers said " She has a heart like an angel".But, she has a secret. She has fallen in love with a fellow police officer, he is married with a child. She hates that she has feelings for him, but can't deny it.
Mitch is a dedicated officer, married but in his heart feels nothing for his wife. There was a heartbreaking incident, early in their marriage that he can't forgive. He stays because of the light in his life known as Chase. Now, another reason for getting up everyday is Corey.
We meet Brock, who seems to be a witness to Corey's life. He's always there, just a silent presence. Through him we learn about The Realm, and the Garda, the Guards of Peace.
From the very beginning we know he has strong feelings for Corey, but why, and how can this be resolved?
I could not put this novel down. I had to read it again, almost immediately. The twists and turns, and long gone secrets laid bare. I was especially fascinated with the Realm, and the Guardians. Recently I had a beloved family member pass way, and I would love to know she is my Guardian and in such a beautiful place.
I have read all four of Ms. Eaton's novels each better than the next. I would say Garda is her best, but I'm hoping to visit that place between heaven and earth again ! I would recommend this novel to readers who love a blend of police, undying love and the paranormal.
I was given this novel for an honest review. No compensation was offered nor taken.
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This is Ms. Easton's fourth novel. It is part police procedural, love story, and an introduction to The Realm. It is fascinating.
Corey Hamilton is a by the book police officer who loves her job. She is admired by her peers, believes in the law, and honesty. In her off duty time she volunteers at various charities and one of her co workers said " She has a heart like an angel".But, she has a secret. She has fallen in love with a fellow police officer, he is married with a child. She hates that she has feelings for him, but can't deny it.
Mitch is a dedicated officer, married but in his heart feels nothing for his wife. There was a heartbreaking incident, early in their marriage that he can't forgive. He stays because of the light in his life known as Chase. Now, another reason for getting up everyday is Corey.
We meet Brock, who seems to be a witness to Corey's life. He's always there, just a silent presence. Through him we learn about The Realm, and the Garda, the Guards of Peace.
From the very beginning we know he has strong feelings for Corey, but why, and how can this be resolved?
I could not put this novel down. I had to read it again, almost immediately. The twists and turns, and long gone secrets laid bare. I was especially fascinated with the Realm, and the Guardians. Recently I had a beloved family member pass way, and I would love to know she is my Guardian and in such a beautiful place.
I have read all four of Ms. Eaton's novels each better than the next. I would say Garda is her best, but I'm hoping to visit that place between heaven and earth again ! I would recommend this novel to readers who love a blend of police, undying love and the paranormal.
I was given this novel for an honest review. No compensation was offered nor taken.
reply | edit | delete | flag *
November 4, 2013
Garda: Welcome to the Realm is the first book in a Paranormal Romance series written by Stacy Eaton. I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. There are three main point of view characters in Garda, Corey and Mitchell who are both police officers and Brock, Corey’s guardian angel. The story is primarily a romance which incorporates aspects of a police procedural as well as paranormal and religious elements.
I was impressed with the authenticity of the police procedural aspects of this story, and the demonstration of how being a police officer affects a person’s life practically and emotionally. The author is a police officer as her day job and it definitely influences her writing in a positive way. There is a lot of emotional tension in the book and I felt the build-up and resolution of the tension was very well executed. I also liked the world building, the way the Garda are portrayed is an interesting and unique take on angels and the abilities they have gave them a good balance of strengths and weaknesses.
This book had a few weak points for me as well, it skewed heavily towards the romance end of the paranormal romance spectrum which isn’t exactly my wheelhouse. Some of the scenes felt like I was reading a soap opera. I might have preferred the book if there were a few more gratuitous explosions, but that’s mostly a matter of personal taste (some people really like soap operas.) I’m not a fan of multiple first person point of view narrators, and I don’t think the technique added anything to this book. Lastly, Garda rests on many Christian concepts and might be hard for a reader without a Christian background to understand.
Overall, Garda is a well written, emotional book. I’d recommend it to Christian readers interested in paranormal romance or romance books in general.
I was impressed with the authenticity of the police procedural aspects of this story, and the demonstration of how being a police officer affects a person’s life practically and emotionally. The author is a police officer as her day job and it definitely influences her writing in a positive way. There is a lot of emotional tension in the book and I felt the build-up and resolution of the tension was very well executed. I also liked the world building, the way the Garda are portrayed is an interesting and unique take on angels and the abilities they have gave them a good balance of strengths and weaknesses.
This book had a few weak points for me as well, it skewed heavily towards the romance end of the paranormal romance spectrum which isn’t exactly my wheelhouse. Some of the scenes felt like I was reading a soap opera. I might have preferred the book if there were a few more gratuitous explosions, but that’s mostly a matter of personal taste (some people really like soap operas.) I’m not a fan of multiple first person point of view narrators, and I don’t think the technique added anything to this book. Lastly, Garda rests on many Christian concepts and might be hard for a reader without a Christian background to understand.
Overall, Garda is a well written, emotional book. I’d recommend it to Christian readers interested in paranormal romance or romance books in general.
March 27, 2014
This book definitely kept me on my toes because secrets were being revealed all over the place! And when the secrets were revealed, it totally changed your opinion on the characters. For instance, when Mitch started to fall in love with Corey, I was almost mad at him because he was married. But then a huge secret was revealed that immediately made me feel sorry for him and begin rooting for him. While I’m not normally into “other worlds,” I found myself interested and wanting to know more about The Realm. While the book ended “happily ever after,” I’m not sure that I’m satisfied with the ending. I found myself still feeling sorry for Mitch that he was having to “settle” with what he had because I just wasn’t convinced that he was okay with the decision. Also, Corey completely reminded me of a police officer that I work with…looks, actions, everything. It was crazy!
Side note: I did NOT like the first name for the baby girl. Isn’t it awkward who she was named after? Now you’ll have to read to see what I mean. Still, it was a good, easy, fun read that I would recommend.
Side note: I did NOT like the first name for the baby girl. Isn’t it awkward who she was named after? Now you’ll have to read to see what I mean. Still, it was a good, easy, fun read that I would recommend.
April 22, 2013
First off I want to thank Stacy Eaton and Goodreads because I was lucky enough to win this book from them.
This book was a little different than what I have read before so at first I didn't know what to think about the whole Realm, Heaven, living arena part but after I got past that, I started to really enjoy it.
The characters are great and really reel you in. I was so curious to see what happened with Corey, Mitchell and Brock that it kept me turning the pages.
It might have been just me but there was a few sentences that didn't make sense to me and I would re-read them and still didn't understand but I guess maybe it was just different wording than I was used to or something.
Once I got close to the ending I could not put the book down and I was very happy with how everyone turned out.
I guess there is another Garda book to come out. I can't wait to read it
This book was a little different than what I have read before so at first I didn't know what to think about the whole Realm, Heaven, living arena part but after I got past that, I started to really enjoy it.
The characters are great and really reel you in. I was so curious to see what happened with Corey, Mitchell and Brock that it kept me turning the pages.
It might have been just me but there was a few sentences that didn't make sense to me and I would re-read them and still didn't understand but I guess maybe it was just different wording than I was used to or something.
Once I got close to the ending I could not put the book down and I was very happy with how everyone turned out.
I guess there is another Garda book to come out. I can't wait to read it
February 8, 2013
I was one of the several lucky Beta-readers who had a chance to read “Garda” and give our comments back to the writer.
The first book in the Guardian Angel series, “Garda” had everything to keep the reader turn the pages until the whole book is finished. And when one is done with it, they would definitely want more… and more. As I read the book, “Garda” made me wonder, smile, and cry. The plot had so many surprises in store that it just left me sitting open mouthed for a while. Several times I found myself saying “NO WAY!” It is not often that the book can make one so emotional on so many levels. "Garda" does that to you.
Thank you, Stacy, for the privilege of being one of the first readers!!!
The first book in the Guardian Angel series, “Garda” had everything to keep the reader turn the pages until the whole book is finished. And when one is done with it, they would definitely want more… and more. As I read the book, “Garda” made me wonder, smile, and cry. The plot had so many surprises in store that it just left me sitting open mouthed for a while. Several times I found myself saying “NO WAY!” It is not often that the book can make one so emotional on so many levels. "Garda" does that to you.
Thank you, Stacy, for the privilege of being one of the first readers!!!
August 31, 2013
Wow. Just wow.
I seldom get to read a story that clings to me and doesn't let go until the last page. When I was asked to do this review by the author, I accepted it somewhat cautiously. After a string of disappointing stories, this one came at the perfect time. I'm so glad to say that Mrs. Eaton has cleverly woven her knowledge of the force and passion for the paranormal into a gripping page turner. I couldn't stop reading! I had to know more! I had to see this story through. I love it when I become possessed by a work.
Awesome job! Definitely loved this book.
*A copy of this book was given in exchanged for an honest review.*
This review will also appear on my personal site as well as Amazon.
I seldom get to read a story that clings to me and doesn't let go until the last page. When I was asked to do this review by the author, I accepted it somewhat cautiously. After a string of disappointing stories, this one came at the perfect time. I'm so glad to say that Mrs. Eaton has cleverly woven her knowledge of the force and passion for the paranormal into a gripping page turner. I couldn't stop reading! I had to know more! I had to see this story through. I love it when I become possessed by a work.
Awesome job! Definitely loved this book.
*A copy of this book was given in exchanged for an honest review.*
This review will also appear on my personal site as well as Amazon.
February 17, 2013
This book kept my attention from beginning to end.
It follows three main characters, Mitch, Corey, and Brock. We see all points of view, which brings the story together perfectly and you don't miss a thing. Which is important to this type of story.
There is a tragic accident, one that happens and intertwines the lives of the three main characters quite unexpectedly actually.
This book will indeed keep you reading long after you know you should set the book aside and do the things you must.
I must say. Some things weren't expected. Some were. It doesn't make the read any less amazing. If you love a good paranormal/fantasy, pick this us today!
It follows three main characters, Mitch, Corey, and Brock. We see all points of view, which brings the story together perfectly and you don't miss a thing. Which is important to this type of story.
There is a tragic accident, one that happens and intertwines the lives of the three main characters quite unexpectedly actually.
This book will indeed keep you reading long after you know you should set the book aside and do the things you must.
I must say. Some things weren't expected. Some were. It doesn't make the read any less amazing. If you love a good paranormal/fantasy, pick this us today!
June 6, 2013
My daughter downloaded a copy of this and I decided I'd like to read it as i have read books by Stacy Eaton previously and enjoy her style and pace of writing. I have to say that this book did not disappoint. It had plenty going on all the time and the pace and writing style were as great as ever. I loved it. I really do not want to go into the story of the book but will say I loved the characters and plot line. I reviewed this one on Goodreads and gave it 5/5 stars and it deserve's everyone of them and more! A MUST read book by a brilliant author!
June 12, 2013
I love Eaton's first person/different point of view writing style. I am not an "ends justifies the means" type person, but I was very happy with the ending. I was glad how the different characters issues were resolved and intertwined.
The scene in the stadium was very emotional. It would be something to peek in on that event in your own life.
I liked the strong female character and the extra training in the Realm. I would especially like a good game of hide and seek.
As always, looking forward to more books by this author and have already recommended this book to a friend.
The scene in the stadium was very emotional. It would be something to peek in on that event in your own life.
I liked the strong female character and the extra training in the Realm. I would especially like a good game of hide and seek.
As always, looking forward to more books by this author and have already recommended this book to a friend.
July 26, 2013
"Garda" is a very sweet, enjoyable romance with an awesome paranormal storyline. The author writes a tender love story between main characters Corey and Mitch that turns otherworldly when Corey is taken from the earth in a tragedy. From there the story seamlessly unfolds to reveal their ultimate destinies. The plot is punctuated with a wonderful cast of characters who live on earth and in "the realm" and lots of great plot twists that keep you intrigued with the storyline. I would highly recommend this novel for readers who love Angel stories or sweet romance.
November 10, 2014
what to write ... very interesting story concept .. The Realm .. the inbetween ..
This is a paranormal police love story .. yeah .. that may confuse you ..but throw in a 'Guardian Angel' and you have a winner
This is a paranormal police love story .. yeah .. that may confuse you ..but throw in a 'Guardian Angel' and you have a winner
April 3, 2013
Amazing, this is a book everyone should read, absolutetly brilliant. Love the twists and turns, the heart wrenching storyline and the possibility for more. I'd love a job in the Realm.
December 5, 2013
This is my first book by this author and I loved it!! The Characters were great!!! I couldn't put the book down!!
May 5, 2014
I loved the idea behind this story. Watch out for the funeral scene - it had me in tears. Great read and I can't wait for more.
July 8, 2018
Wow, simply wow. I was never an avid “supernatural” reader but I loved this book. The struggle between choosing what’s good and what’s not is a reality we all deal with every single day and she put it out on paper beautifully.
“How do you lose a part of yourself and still go on? How do you survive when part of your soul is missing?”
I cried, my heart broke and I even felt all the hope coming from the wonderful characters. Every single details Stacy used to describe the emotions, the surroundings, the Realm and how the Gardai take care of their charges. I was anxious to keep on reading to see what would happen next. The pain, the guilt, the love and passion that Corey, Mitchell and Brock endure is simply beautiful; three souls that are somehow tied together. Is it possible to have more than one soulmate? I could feel my heart being torn in two with Corey.
I read some of Stacy’s books but this one was way out of the ones I was used to and I just liked it very much!
“How do you lose a part of yourself and still go on? How do you survive when part of your soul is missing?”
I cried, my heart broke and I even felt all the hope coming from the wonderful characters. Every single details Stacy used to describe the emotions, the surroundings, the Realm and how the Gardai take care of their charges. I was anxious to keep on reading to see what would happen next. The pain, the guilt, the love and passion that Corey, Mitchell and Brock endure is simply beautiful; three souls that are somehow tied together. Is it possible to have more than one soulmate? I could feel my heart being torn in two with Corey.
I read some of Stacy’s books but this one was way out of the ones I was used to and I just liked it very much!
July 5, 2018
Ok, I have I be honest. This is not my usual genre to read, but I’m so glad that I took a chance on it. This is one of my favorite books. The storyline is one that will capture you and not let go even after the book is finished. I loved experiencing the twists and turns Corey and Mitchell go through. This is a love story that my heart got so involved with. Even if this isn’t the type of book you normally read, please take a chance and read it. You won’t be disappointed.
June 27, 2018
I must say, I have never read a paranormal romance before. It was never my go to type. That said, I found Garda, Welcome to the Realm truly enjoyable, a page turner. If focuses on 3 characters that took me on a rollercoaster of feeling.
July 1, 2018
OMG what a fantabulous paranormal read! A love story that is out of this world literally. This is a well written story that just hooked me completely and I have to say I loved it and would definitely recommend this!
July 3, 2018
The Garda are an interesting group. Corey, Mitchell, and Brock have much to learn about themselves and their loved ones. I loved the intricacies of the story and how very different.
February 9, 2024
I found the story good, but some smaller parts are a bit boring to me. I would not mind to read more. This is part od Wicked Legends.
August 15, 2015
I am completely flabbergasted. I mean, I can't think straight after reading this book! It was simply amazing. But, there's nothing simple about it. Garda was a completely mind baffling book, it's for the books! Stacy blew me out of the water, it was all completely unexpected! And I loved it. It couldn't have turned out any better!
Corey is a police officer that everyone loves. When she meets Mitchell she can't get him out of her mind, and hes the same. But, when Corey sees the band on Mitch's left hand she knows she can't go through with cheating, she can't be like her ex. When a fateful accident happens Corey is taken from the world and life as she knows it, and is now in the realm. A place between heavendors and earth. She now has some major destiny changing, or not, decisions to make. Being a Garda is the perfect life for Corey. A garda watches over the people in the real world, and helps guide them in making the right decisions. Now that she's in the realm it's going to take a lot to make the right choices, plus there's another man thrown into the picture.
This book will keep your mind running, like I said, you won't know what to expect. It's a very heartwarming, heartwrenchimg, yet sweet and loving read. My emotions went through the wringer on this one. And let me just say, it's amazing getting to experience multiple emotions while reading a book. You literally don't know what a book is until you read one like this. Evey time I read one of Stacy's books, I fall in love. They are such an experience and each one is better than the last. But, they are ALL so good! And hours after reading her books, I still have the feels..
You will cry.
You will laugh.
You will smile.
You will sigh.
Your heart will ache.
Your mind will race.
Your eyes will burn.
Your gut will scream.
And if your anything like me,
You will love this amazing story.
Corey is a police officer that everyone loves. When she meets Mitchell she can't get him out of her mind, and hes the same. But, when Corey sees the band on Mitch's left hand she knows she can't go through with cheating, she can't be like her ex. When a fateful accident happens Corey is taken from the world and life as she knows it, and is now in the realm. A place between heavendors and earth. She now has some major destiny changing, or not, decisions to make. Being a Garda is the perfect life for Corey. A garda watches over the people in the real world, and helps guide them in making the right decisions. Now that she's in the realm it's going to take a lot to make the right choices, plus there's another man thrown into the picture.
This book will keep your mind running, like I said, you won't know what to expect. It's a very heartwarming, heartwrenchimg, yet sweet and loving read. My emotions went through the wringer on this one. And let me just say, it's amazing getting to experience multiple emotions while reading a book. You literally don't know what a book is until you read one like this. Evey time I read one of Stacy's books, I fall in love. They are such an experience and each one is better than the last. But, they are ALL so good! And hours after reading her books, I still have the feels..
You will cry.
You will laugh.
You will smile.
You will sigh.
Your heart will ache.
Your mind will race.
Your eyes will burn.
Your gut will scream.
And if your anything like me,
You will love this amazing story.
June 1, 2018
Phenomenal!!
Absolutely phenomenal novel!! Stacy Eaton continues to amaze me with each novel I read.
I am not usually a paranormal fan, but Garda is simply amazing. The author has found such a wonderful way of bringing the world of the living and the world of our guardian angels into a truly heartwarming and heartrending novel.
Engaging, powerful, and so well written, I hated having to put the novel down for any period of time. The story line is written so well that it is fairly realistic in nature and something many will relate to and if they don't have the same or similar beliefs, will still see the realism either the novel.
The author has written such strong and detailed characters that relating to them, empathizing with them, and feeling a part of their lives is something the reader will experience from the beginning of the novel through the end.
Garda is such a well written and impressive novel, that any reader will find that they are hooked the whole way through and are eagerly waiting for the next novel in the series.
I highly recommend this book to every reader. You will be missing out if you don't read it and read it soon.
Absolutely phenomenal novel!! Stacy Eaton continues to amaze me with each novel I read.
I am not usually a paranormal fan, but Garda is simply amazing. The author has found such a wonderful way of bringing the world of the living and the world of our guardian angels into a truly heartwarming and heartrending novel.
Engaging, powerful, and so well written, I hated having to put the novel down for any period of time. The story line is written so well that it is fairly realistic in nature and something many will relate to and if they don't have the same or similar beliefs, will still see the realism either the novel.
The author has written such strong and detailed characters that relating to them, empathizing with them, and feeling a part of their lives is something the reader will experience from the beginning of the novel through the end.
Garda is such a well written and impressive novel, that any reader will find that they are hooked the whole way through and are eagerly waiting for the next novel in the series.
I highly recommend this book to every reader. You will be missing out if you don't read it and read it soon.
July 25, 2015
This was my first read from Stacy Eaton and I really loved the change. Sometimes I get stuck on a certain genre and its hard to break away but with Garda I didnt have a problem getting into the story at all. It is what I would call a very good clean read with a great story behind it. I cant wait to read more from this series.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews