Courtesy from Publisher
My Rating: 
“She was standing on black sand. Black, oily waves were rolling in at her feet in gentle swells that did not break but just retreated again silently. The huge open sky above her was black too, with dark grey clouds like curtains hanging in it, illuminated by small, distant, golden sun hovering close to the horizon. It’s light cast a dim glow over the water. The air was neither warm nor cold, there was no wind, no scent, no sound, no movement other than the dreamy black ocean.”
I felt a compulsion to quote her, even as I was thinking about writing this review. Seconds after I finished reading this wonderful book, I went straight back, scrolled down pages and pages of beautiful writing, trying to locate the passages I loved and wanted to imprint in my memory. There are so many, but I eventually decided on the passage above, just to give a taste of this delicious book to potential readers once you get your hands on The Distant Shore, the first book in Mariam Kobras’ The Stone Trilogy.
Jonathan Stone—a handsome, famous rock star—despite never being short of female fans who throw themselves at him at every opportunity, still pines for the woman who left him over a decade ago, sets off across the ocean to find her again. Sounds familiar, right? Many of us have read or heard something like this before.
However, Kobras’ novel is not your usual Mills and Boon romance, nor one of those average, happy ever-after Hollywood movies, either. The author weaves a fascinating story, with a range of believable characters, and enough twists and turns to keep the reader’s interest. It is truly contemporary literature at its best. The settings span from the beautiful shores of Northern Norway, to the heart of Europe, the British Isles, and the expanse of North America. As I leafed through these pages eagerly, one after another, I hopped onto my very own private jet, setting off to different, exotic locations on an adventure and felt like true Hollywood Royalty. It was almost like feasting on a stack of glossy magazines in one sitting, devouring the hot gossip of celebrity life. But this is so much better, because instead of looking at those glamorous stars in their fancy dresses, I was treated to the exquisite beauty of written words, deliciously and expertly penned by the author. They vividly painted pictures in my mind, far more enchanting, and satisfying to my hungry senses.
I very much enjoyed the insights into music, as well as the exploration into the lives of the rich and famous. At 366 pages, it isn’t a fast read, and it took me a few more late nights than I would have liked. Yet I felt more than compensated by the smooth story-telling and beautiful flow of words, sentences and paragraphs. When I eventually came to end of it, I was reluctant to let it go.
Author Photo
The Distant Shore is just an introduction of this author, and what a fabulous introduction it has proven to be!
Please Go to: Amazon.Com
This is the seventh stop on Mariam’s “Love is in the Air” Blog Hop & Giveaway. We hope you have enjoyed this review and will join us tomorrow on The Workings of My Mind for an interview with the author.
Buddhapuss Ink is giving away copies of Mariam’s first book The Distant Shore along with some other pretty terrific (and very Romantic) gifts as we count down the days to Valentine’s Day!
Want to enter the giveaway?
Leave a comment for this post for one entry. We also encourage you to “Like” this blog and follow it! Tweet a link to this blog including the hashtag #TDSBlogHop for another chance to win. Want more chances to win? CLICK HERE for all the info!
Junying. You’ve made me want to read The Distant Shore. Wonderful review.
Thanks for stopping by and showing interest in Mariam’s wonderful book, Dannie
It’s indeed a very romantic read 
Awesome review. I’m glad that I have discovered your blog.
Lisa,
Many thanks for visting and for commenting. Lovely to see you here
A remarkable book by a talented writer. Your review makes it clear the book works on many levels. Definitely one for everyone’s personal library. Thanks!
Take care,
JC
Many thanks, JC.
Yes, it’s easy to fall in love with this book, especially the virtual travel I did with it.
Appreciate your visit and kind comments!
Junying
I am almost finished with The Distant Shore myself, and it is a great book. I’ stop #9, and I can’t wait to share my review.
Enjoy, Amberr
I’ll be visiting you both there next 
Oh Junying – you quoted a perfect passage to entice me even further in. I am so looking forward to reading this book : ) Thanks for sharing
Jaqui xxx
Jaqui, I’m so pleased to hear that
Thanks for stopping by and leaving such lovely comments
!
Great review. Mariam does have a beautiful voice, doesn’t she?
Johanna,
I agree with you. I read your review on GoodReads as well, and you made me laugh with your comments. Perfect
!
I have to agree on you with Mariam’s “smooth story-telling and beautiful flow of words, sentences and paragraphs”, I am intrigued on her take of the common “fame” romance novel paired up with her delectable writing style.
Thank you for your review~
Lilian,
Yes, I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised by Mariam’s book – she managed to tackle a rather ‘ordinary’ theme of fame and turned it into something very special, even romantic
Thank you so much, Junying! What a wonderful review, I’m quite overwhelmed!
Mariam, it’s a delight to have you here, and wonderful to share why I love your book
Keep writing and delighting your fans and readers, my friend
I’ve been waiting to read this book for over 2 years and I’m glad it’s finally available in the UK.
Thanks for popping in and leaving your comments, Tim. Happy reading!
Junying, superb review and will definitely share.
Congrats Mariam!
eden
Appreciate your comments and support, ALWAYS, Eden
Thank you ALL! This is an amazing ride, and I’m so happy you’re all part of it!
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