This third instalment of a supernatural series focuses on an Englishwoman and her otherworldly connections. In Mathews’ latest volume starring Pandora Armstrong (or Pandora Fry to some), the protagonist is appearing on TV. Pandora is a panelist a few days a week on a show called Straight Talking. She and her colleagues discuss topics of the day, explorations that occasionally spill into arguments. It seems like an easy enough gig, though if the ratings take a dive, the talent can immediately be replaced. But anxiety about getting fired is the least of the protagonist’s problems. Pandora, who can communicate with certain spirits and once ran a healing practice, is visited by an archangel called Cassiel. He explains to Pandora that she is pregnant with a very important child. The baby is a star seed, and “these star seeds are being sent to Earth to use their special abilities to help us out of the cycle of destruction we’re in.” While this might not sound too bad, Pandora’s partner, James Jay, will surely know the baby isn’t his. The earthly father is instead a well-to-do TV producer named Zac Willoughby, with whom Pandora shared a night of intimacy. Will Pandora be able to have her child in secret, patch things up with Jay afterward, and dodge any thorny questions from Zac? It’s a good thing she has an archangel on her side. It takes some pages to get to the rich details of Pandora’s quandary. Readers first must learn of Jay’s former band reuniting, financial hardships he and Pandora are facing, and even where his children from a former marriage spend their weekends. Yet once Cassiel enters the picture, the tension becomes palpable. How will Jay and Zac ever understand any of this? Can all of those involved in this peculiar scheme be trusted to have the baby’s best interests at heart? Although some developments turn out to be dull, as when Cassiel and Pandora spend a night at the cinema, the overall fate of the star child keeps things in a constant state of taut motion. While this tale’s buildup is slow, the protagonist’s predicament proves a gripping, dicey affair. ~ Kirkus Reviews

In the third book of the Pandora series, it is a life-changing series of events that lead to the unknown and unexpected. Pandora's life begins to change when Jay loses their home and business in the current financial climate. Pandora soon learns that her job as a TV panellist may also come to an end. Pandora must face her biggest challenge, however, as we enter the supernatural part of the story. She must find a way to disappear from her life in order to fulfil a prophecy and risks losing the parts of her life she treasures the most. The great thing about the Pandora series of books is that the story is like a blend of genres all mixed together to make the perfect story. This is a story where anything can happen… Anything is possible. The series of books are intriguing, you just never know what will happen next. The clever way the author does not stick to one genre gives her more scope to let her imagination run wild and enchants the reader into a captivating read that will grab the reader’s attention from beginning to end. The brilliant balance and mystique of romance and chick-lit meeting the paranormal makes this, and the two other books in the Pandora series, unmissable. ~ Nikki Bywater, Nikki's Books4U

We meet up with Pandora for the third phase of her journey with, as always, something happening in her relationship with Jay. Jay is looking at reforming his band, Jay and the Jaylers, which means he could be touring again, with all the temptations that brings. This could be the thing that will tip the finely balanced nature of their relationship overboard; a relationship that has been on and off and on again over the years. Mostly off, at this particular time. As Pandora is an enlightened being of some repute she is a little mystified as to what it is that seems to be drawing her close to Andrew Truman, a biographer, and a man it would appear she has little or nothing in common with, but is someone who could help Jay by writing about him and his band. It is not until she is advised that Cassiel has once again come back into her life to work with her, she begins to understand, if not accept, that there are changes heading her way once again. As the days unfold she is told she will bear a child and that this child will go on to carry out works that will be of massive benefit to the people and the environment. This, of course, raises a raft of questions as Pandora is no longer young and has serious doubts about the ‘Mother Mary’ scenario into which she is being led. Like all things in Pandora’s life, nothing goes as planned. With an Angel in charge and help from his friends, a mystical elixir, and Pandora’s ability to complicate matters, what can possibly happen? As this is the final book in the Pandora trilogy, the finale is fitting. The first book 'Transforming Pandora', follows onto 'Squaring Circles' which segues effortlessly into 'Pandora’s Gift', all guided by Cassiel, an Angel we met in the first book, who has been there to guide and protect Pandora throughout her journey. The words of the indomitable Angel Cassiel sum the essence of the trilogy up beautifully: 'The cycles of Nature are reflected in your life. Autumn is the perfect time to release old cares to make way for new growth. Be like the trees whose leaves must fall. Allow your true nature to be laid bare.' Pandora finally comes to understand that whatever is sent to you in life you should accept with grace, go with the flow and hold on to the belief that ‘all has happened just as it should’. A beautiful completion to a work that has captured the heart, the imagination and very essence of life, living and ultimately, the spiritual entity we each have deep inside. ~ Ian Banks, Blue Wolf Reviews

I have really enjoyed reading this trilogy and getting to know Pandora and the other characters. It is beautifully written with the words flowing off the page effortlessly which make it such a pleasure to read. In this third part of the trilogy we see Pandora having to make some really hard decisions which not only impact on her own life but on those she loves too. Again, as with the other two novels there is a strong mystical/spiritual element to the book but don’t be put off by that because even if you are not a spiritual person, it is still a great story and it is part of Pandora’s journey. She is a very real and convincing character and I couldn’t help liking her even though she made mistakes and had a fairly chaotic love life. This book is full of emotion, surprises and suspense with some humour too, all wrapped up in a mystical bundle waiting for the reader to unravel it. Although, it is not necessary to read the other two books in the trilogy before reading Pandora’s Gift (and what a gift it is!), I would recommend starting at the beginning with Transforming Pandora because once you get started, you won’t want to miss out on a single word that Carolyn Mathews has written. Authors Uncovered ~ Sarah Houldcroft, Authors Uncovered

Pandora's Gift, the final book in Carolyn Mathew's Pandora series, opens with Pandora going through a rough time. Her partner, Jay, loses much of their property and his business. Pandora is supporting them, but her job is threatened. As though all this upheaval isn't enough, Archangel Cassiel appears and gives her shocking news. In order to fulfill the mission she has been given, she will have to disappear for a period of time. She risks a great deal by doing this, but there is the issue of a greater good. Does she have the strength? The author writes with wit and flair. She brings to the reader an engrossing story filled with memorable characters, both human and otherwise. There are surprises as well as suspense. I found this to be a beautifully crafted story about love and second chances. I highly recommend reading this special book. Pandora's Gift is a standalone book. However, the first two books in the series make for a great read, too. They are ‘Transforming Pandora’ and ‘Squaring Circles’. ~ Samantha/E, Librarything & Goodreads

This uplifting and highly enjoyable novel is the third in the Pandora series by Carolyn Mathews. This was my first introduction to the main character Pandora Armstrong –having not read Transforming Pandora or Squaring Circles – but the fact this was the third in the trilogy didn't prevent me from the appreciating the novel. The writing style is light and breezy, with deft characterisation and expert use of snap-shot descriptions, combining an energetic approach with mystical themes. The main character is likeable, complex enough to carry the story, whilst her flaws are balanced by self-honesty and humour. Throughout the story she is torn between three potential love interests ... yes three (!). Initially believing I was reading a hen/chick-lit cross over, I was stunned when the author dropped a bombshell in the middle of the novel that had me reeling … probably just as much as the main character. My recovery was in tandem with Pandora! I was expecting a bitter-sweet ending but was left with something altogether different, hard to describe but satisfying on an emotional level. ~ Rob Dearden

Book three in the Pandora series is by far my favourite. Having followed the heroine from early adulthood, being privy to her romantic encounters, some successful, others self-sabotaged, it was with great warmth that I journeyed with her on the road to receiving her greatest gift. We find her working as a daytime TV presenter, trying to keep body and soul together, as her husband’s business buckles under the strain of the 2008 economic crash, before divine intervention sends her on a four-month diversion from her own life, changing its course forever. Certain she has made the correct decision to return to her previous existence, Pandora’s problems only multiply, before finally settling once more into an acceptable, if most unexpected, situation. Carolyn Mathew’s characters are flawed and fun, their humour often serving to help them through some difficult situations and evoking the reader’s empathy. The plot-twists and seemingly out-of character actions serve to keep the reader guessing until, quite rightly, the end of this highly entertaining trilogy. ~ Helen Noble

Pandora Armstrong is back and this time, she brings a big surprise with her. This third novel in the Pandora series is a great addition to the previous two, and combines romance, spirituality and suspense. It introduces a guide, or angel, to help push the plot along. Andrew Truman, or Cassiel, is a very cool helper in a pretty attractive body. Not unlike the movie The Adjustment Bureau (starring Matt Damon) where guides come to earth to make sure that we humans get it right, or just don’t screw up too much, this specific guide borrows a human body to make sure Pandora succeeds with a very important challenge. She loses her job, her home and a few other things that she thought were important in her life, but she finds deeper meaning. A fun read, that can be enjoyed both by those who are into guides and angels, and those who are not. ~ Daniela Norris, Goodreads

I really enjoyed this series. I love Pandora and how she faces everything that is thrown her way. Of course an angel in a hot body does help. But how she navigates the paranormal world that she travels really adds to the story. I mean, could you step away from your life like she did to fulfill your destiny? This series has a little bit of everything and although not always clear until the ending, a wonderful finish. I recommend checking out this series. It was not what I expected it to be but it was a great read. I can’t wait for more books from Carolyn Mathews. ~ JBronderBookReviews, blog

Carolyn Mathews is a master of the breezy conversation that carries a cargo of concealed inner conflict, mixed intentions and all-too human illusion. In her latest Pandora novel she sets sailing a whole flotilla of these packed messages in bottles, to jostle down the troubled streams of Pandora's life. ~ Jessica Moss