"A Sealed Fate" by Lisa Gordon introduces us to Valda and Larissa, two women who are suffering from failed relationships and careers so that they decide to escape away to Dubai. In Dubai they are seeking success and a purpose to carry on with life. To her surprise Valda finds a great deal of success. Valda finds her success is endangered, however, when she comes to meet a wealthy Sheikh. This relationship which is clandestine in nature pushes her into a web of lies and in a moment of need she turns to Larissa to help her. Larissa is an astrologer and informs her friend that fate made her bargain when the couple met and sealed things for them. What she sees is a bad omen and Larissa cannot bring herself to tell her friend of what she actually saw. Instead the two decide to take on fate and try to change it.

I was surprised on just how much I liked this book. The theme was a blend of thriller and spiritual awareness that teaches you some lessons and makes you think about your own life. Larissa was my stand out character and I appreciate the loyalty and determination that she shows to her friend. There were a few points that dragged a little bit, but nothing that made me ever think that I could not keep reading. In fact once you pick this book up you are very likely not to want to put it down again. If you are someone who enjoys a thriller with several turns and does not mind a blended genre, I would recommend this book.

“A Sealed Fate” by Lisa Gordon is a perfect blend of contemporary women’s fiction and a mystery thriller. Fate brings Valda, a woman running from a failed relationship, and Larissa, an astrologer, together, forming a strong bond and friendship. Valda was an entertainer who becomes trapped in downward spiral of vice after unwisely accepting the proposal of a Sheikh she meets while working in Dubai. She finds Lara at a time when she is searching for the ‘whys’ of her life. Lara’s deep belief in fate and a person’s hand in determining their future help to guide and ground Valda, showing her that no matter what happens, it is what you take away from the experience that is important. When the two women set to righting wrongs and freeing Valda from the clutches of the sheikh, they make a formidable team. Will they each take something away from this that will help them on life’s journey? Will their friendship stand the test of time and other planes of existence?

Lisa Gordon has created characters so unique and yet so real that I found myself totally engaged, feeling their fear, frustration, joy and laughter! The relationship between Valda and Larissa ran beautifully deep, with the real give and take of true friends. Her descriptions of Dubai, complete with its nightlife, the sights and sounds, and the smells of native cuisine, were vividly alive and enchanting. With a treacherously winding plot, the ending was, indeed, not easily arrived at or ferreted out early on! Well done! I highly recommend this book and this author!

This is an intriguing novel that’s well written. It’s nicely conceived and executed and keeps the reader involved. The characters are developed pleasingly and are very believable. The diversity of the characters, locales and flavor of this mystery certainly draws the reader in and makes you feel like you’re there. Your mind will be thinking of conclusions to the story but there’s no way you will ever predict the ending. Nice job! Well worth reading.