Evan's Castle

A Most Impressive Debut Novel!

"Evan's Castle" by Tracy Fabre is what the trade calls "a romance novel", but it is actually much more than that. The author transcends the romance novel's limitations not only by creating realistically three-dimensional characters and placing them in environments that seem both natural yet threatening, but by her honed yet seemingly natural story-telling skills.
The novel is most effectively narrated in the first person by an intelligent, witty, sympathetic, heart-warming heroine, who has an intriguingly mysterious background. Tension builds up when it soon becomes apparent that her self-confidence is not as deep as it first appears. Indeed she is neither as totally relaxed nor seemingly in charge of her challenging situation as she would initially have us believe. We discover her superficial bravado and self-confidence actually disguise a deep vulnerability. This multi-level characterization is just one of the facets that make "Evan's Castle" an outstanding entry in this genre. Both Rachel Kane and Evan Callahan are people we can readily relate to and who almost effortlessly engage our attention. The free-flowing dialogue seems admirably natural, yet it has a sharp ring that gives the characters an extra charisma. The author's impressive narrative skills are also apparent in the memorable settings. The castle of the title is actually a huge, disorganized laboratory, and the reclusive Evan himself is certainly a memorable character even if he does mellow towards the heroine as the story progresses. But even this not-unexpected change in attitude brings with it a strata of tension and insecurity. All told, "Evan's Castle" is a most impressive debut by a most accomplished novelist.

Evan's Castle written by Tracy Fabre as reviewed by Nancy Silveria

Evan's Castle is a unique romance by author, and Gather family member, Tracy Fabre. It is 257 pages, containing 11 chapters, which follows Rachel Kane, a woman who leaves home to start a new job, as she struggles to let go of the one-sided relationship she recently ended.


What makes Evan's Castle different from other romances is its departure from the
dramatic and sentimental standard of the industry. Tracy penned this story with two of her greatest assets: her soft-spoken wit and her natural ability to relate to everyday people. Tracy lends her humorous comebacks and her "live and let live" approach to her characters. She creates an appeal for widespread readership, making this book enjoyable for men and women of all ages.


When Rachel begins working for scientist Evan Callahan, a man whose reputation for being difficult precedes him, the similarities to the man she left back home strike her immediately. The appeal of these men, and their ability to feed her hopes and apprehensions, leaves Rachel emotionally torn. As the readers watch her put one foot in front of the other to strengthen her fortitude, Tracy introduces a series of supporting characters that give the book another breath of reality. Tracy adds to this mixture the element of danger, as Rachel suddenly becomes the victim of childlike pranks that escalate to disconcerting vandalism. This creates a multidimensional aspect that will satisfy an extensive circle. There is something in Evan's Castle for everyone.

My favorite thing about this novel was the simple fact that I enjoyed it so much that I never wanted to put it down. It quickly became like spending time with an old friend. An author who makes me feel like their work is a part of my life; the comfortable relaxing "me" time of life is one I treasure.


As soon as I finished this book, I went out and bought Reasons by Tracy Fabre. I just didn't want the enjoyment of Evan's Castle to end!

Spend a little time with Evan in his 'castle.'

What happens when an intelligent, pretty librarian is hired to catalogue the life work of a brilliant, handsome scientist? Jealousy, competition, and rumors of course. Friendly banter? Sharing of soul? Foul play? All of the above? Tracy Fabre has created characters that transcend reality enough to be thrilling, yet authentic. And scenes from a cluttered lab to a star-filled mountaintop and a deadly ditch. Join Rachel Kane and Evan Callahan in their quest for knowledge, order, love, and life.

No text was provided for this review.