“...At last, a real gothic novel! Governesses, sinister Counts, castles, murders and madness galore. We are in Jane Eyre territory here, or perhaps Victoria Holt or Virginia Coffman; this is guaranteed to please all lovers of real classic-style gothics who have been missing them since they vanished in the 1980s. Christabel tells the tale which works well, giving it an immediacy that this sort of thing needs. She is no shrinking violet either, determined to get her man and take on all comers and even a bit conceited, well aware of her charms. This gives her a sassy modern appeal at times, but she still retains an essentially Victorian outlook in other areas. Ms Challis also has a nice hand for descriptions, ranging from the isolation of the "Castle of Dreams" to a lightning sketch of Vienna with its coffee houses. This is great fun and I hope it starts a retro trend for this sort of thing... gothics for the 2000s!” ~  Rachel A Hyde of My Shelf Reviews and selected as Rachel’s Top Ten Books for 2006!

"...an achingly beautiful tale, incurably romantic in every sense. Perfect form start to finish, deliciously pleasurable and highly recommended." ~ Historical Novel Society and selected as Editor’s Pick for 2006!

"...an excellent gothic novel. Peppered with madness and murder, sinister plots, secrets and hidden villains, Eye Of The Serpent takes readers on a wild gothic romp that they won't soon forget. The characters are exquisitely written, with Cristabel being exactly what a gothic heroine should be and Count Max von Holstein filling the shoes of a slightly sinister hero. Author Joanna Challis has chosen to write the novel in first-person, with Cristabel herself telling the tale, this feature seems to make the heroine's feeling all the more intimate, drawing readers deep into the mystery and suspense of this outstanding novel. Eye Of The Serpent is a book I would highly recommend!" ~ 5 stars, Janean Nusz, Amazon UK

"...is a sweeping novel set in England during the late eighteen hundreds. Ms Challis’ style of writing is reminiscent of Victoria Holt in the scope and subject matter, as well as location and descriptions. Ms Challis does a phenomenal job drawing the reader into the time period, as well as sucking them into the mystery she unfolds for their enjoyment. I must admit, I was awake until one in the morning because I had to finish the book and find out the identity of the murderer. I recommend Silverthorn to anyone who enjoys reading Victoria Holt, or simply enjoys a good historical mystery.” ~ Cat Cody, Romance Junkies 

‘Written in the style of Victoria Holt, Silverthorn is gothic mystery at its best. With writers as skilled as Ms Challis there is hope of bringing gothic romance back to the forefront of popularity." ~ Torie West, The Romance Studio

"... a great gothic romance filled with mystery and love. The novel was well written and belongs next to Jane Austen." ~ Dawn Myers, Writers Unlimited Reviewer

“Wow! What a treat. Silverthorn weaves you into its web of mystery and suspense, just as the mansion does to Laura Morgan. Joanna Challis writes with a style that not only allows you to picture within your mind’s eye the people and events she portrays, but also to feel within your soul the emotions and suspense. Joanne has masterfully kept to the theme of her book – you can almost picture yourself seated at Laura’s feet as she relates her tale. Silverthorn is a wonderful piece of Gothic literature that has you in its grip until the last page. The suspense, the drama, the mystery. Silverthorn has all this and more. This is without a doubt a book for your personal library. Definitely a book to read during a very stormy night – you’ll just get that little bit extra if you do. Silverthorn is published by Wings ePress and is available now. To quote Ms. Challis, 'It’s amazing to think how one person’s behaviour can dramatically alter your life.'  Enjoy!" ~ Tanya, Romance At Heart

"Sigh… What can I say about Joanna Challis’ writing style that I haven’t said in a previous review? I was raised on Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart, romantic suspense and gothic tales, and it is rare to find a skillfully written page-turner in this sub-genre these days. But Ms. Challis does it with panache and style and I drum my fingers, impatiently waiting for her next book. The Secret of the Phoenix does not disappoint and from chapter one feeds your curiosity till you can’t wait to find out what happens next."  ~ Torie West, The Romance Studio

"Joanna Challis pens a wonderful, suspenseful and engaging tale of betrayal, spies and love with The Secret of the Phoenix. From India to England and back again, Anjika and the reader are taken on an exciting and dangerous journey that will have the reader on the edge of their seat. There are so many questions that needed answering in this tale and with each one answered, Ms. Challis would continue to intrigue us and have us asking even more. It is beginning to end wonder, suspense and adventure within the pages of The Secret of the Phoenix. This book comes very highly recommended. Readers won’t want to miss it!" ~ Tracey West, The Road to Romance

"Hindu princess Anjika Tarbia's Indian mother and white father were both murdered when she was a baby. Raised in the harem at her grandfather's palace, Anjika longs for the impossible - a chance to explore her father's white world. But her mother's royal blood makes her a pawn in a political marriage.   When her chance to escape arises, her haphazard flight leaves her with amnesia and lands her in the arms of British major Nicholas Cameron. The roguish Nicholas bestows the name Angel upon her when the only clues to her identity are a locket and a Phoenix brand on her wrist. With his help, she finds her father's family and takes her place as the rightful heiress to her father's estate.  Angel's new life is far from perfect, however. Her heart yearns for Nicholas, but he seems content with slipping in and out of her life. In her new home, dark family secrets abound, deceit taints the air and someone wants Angel dead. Angel is irresistible and her journey engrossing and memorable. Challis cleverly ties up loose ends and finds romance for each deserving couple and retribution for the villains.~ 4 stars, Susan Mitchell, Romantic Times

“A gothic romantic mystery and a cursed ring lead the granddaughter of a Cornish fisherman into the heart of the British upper classes…   Fiona Trevelick had always stood out in her small Cornish fishing village. Her mother Anna and Aunt Nan never quite fit in with the locals either. A good education and the strong desire not to end up as the wives of fishermen had given "them Trevelick girls" a somewhat notorious reputation to the local women. As a young girl, Fiona challenged the future Earl of Pendarron for the right to be looking for smugglers' treasure in a cave. When they grew to be adults, Lord Tyson never forgot the fiery redhead with the sharp tongue.  Joanna Challis draws together two very determined characters from opposite sides of society. She examines their situations and explains their actions giving the reader a very clear perspective. At this point a mystery is hinted at and the suspense builds up. Be prepared for some evil family members to emerge and try to cover up their dark secrets. Fiona is unaware of her constant peril.  The romance and family secrets link to a black opal ring which is believed to be cursed. It was rumoured to have belonged to the ill-fated Marie Antoinette and smuggled out of France during the Revolution. Once owned by the Pendarrons, it has not been seen for many years. Joanna Challis had me on the edge of my chair as the pieces start to fall into place. This book is written in a classic style, which will appeal to historical fans and traditional regency readers who love a plot with many dark surprises. Joanna Challis is an author to keep a watch out for and for this reader, The Pendragon Legacy  is a definite keeper! Highly recommended reading!”  ~ Naomi of Fallen Angel Reviews

“All Joanna Challis’ books - Silverthorn, The Secret of the Phoenix and The Pendragon Legacy - are excellent historical romances with strong storylines and likeable characters that you come to care about what happens to them.  I loved reading all of these books, and I can honestly say that having not been a romance genre fan before these books have changed my mind.  I’m now a fan, well at least a fan of this author and her books.  Highly recommended! I hope that the author writes more very soon!” ~ Charlotte Morgan, Round Table Reviews

Silverthorn  |   The Pendragon Legacy  |  The Secret of the Phoenix  |   Eye of the Serpent