Narrated by Aysha Kala, Helen Keeley, & Nell Barlow, Weyward by Emilia Hart lent itself perfectly to the audio format as the author shares the story of three women, over five centuries, all with one secret. Hints of magical realism bring the vivid prose to life and the three natures help us traverse time as we learn about the Weyward women.

Weyward
by Emilia Hart
Narrator: Aysha Kala, Helen Keeley, Nell Barlow
Length: 10 hours and 51 minutes
Genres: Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

I am a Weyward, and wild inside.

2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the cottage is worlds away from the abusive partner who tormented Kate. But she begins to suspect that her great aunt had a secret. One that lurks in the bones of the cottage, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.

1619: Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha’s mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom.

1942: As World War II rages, Violet is trapped in her family’s grand, crumbling estate. Straitjacketed by societal convention, she longs for the robust education her brother receives––and for her mother, long deceased, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. The only traces Violet has of her are a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.

Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart’s Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.

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Weyward was a delightful tale filled with witchcraft, vile men and strong, stubborn women who rise up and survive. Each woman has a distinct voice and a tragic tale they must overcome.

The tale begins with Kate in London, who finds herself isolated and controlled by an abusive husband. She tries to avoid pregnancy, but when it happens, she knows she must flee. Fate brings her an escape when she inherits Weyward cottage, in Crow’s Beck, a remote Cumbrian village from her eccentric aunt Violet. Here she will build a life for herself and her child. It is also here that she discovers the secrets of the Weyward women.

In 1619, Altha Weyward is put on trial for witchcraft. We learn of life, the trial, and the events surrounding it. If you’ve ever been fascinating by the horrors during James I reign and the witchcraft trials, Altha’s story will pull you in and hold you until the end.

Then we have Violet’s story in 1942. Here we meet young Violet, her brother Harold and their controlling father as Violet’s life is forever changed one fate full summer. Filled with magic and a better understanding of the Weyward women and what they endured at the hands of men, we learn what happened to Lizzy, Violet’s mother when she married an ambitious man.

The story is told in Kate’s time as she discovers information about her ancestors, through letters and journals. We are pulled back in time and watch Kate transform as she gains knowledge and an understanding of the power she wields. From the atmospheric cottage, to the watching crows, I felt for these women, encouraged them and grieved for the way men betrayed them.

At just under eleven hours, I admit I could not set this down and kept resetting the sleep timer for just another thirty minutes and resuming as soon as I had awakened. I am so glad the publisher provided three narrators. Aysha Kala, Helen Keeley, & Nell Barlow did a wonderful job of capturing each women’s personality and period. It helped with the transition from past to present and allowed me to follow the flow of the story.

A brilliant tale perfect for fans of magical realism, witches and enthralling tales. The perfect audiobook to enjoy with a warm cup of tea as March makes way for April showers.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge
• COYER 2023 Upside Down
• COYER Upside Down Chapter 1: It's a Cold Summer

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/03/weyward-by-emilia-hart.html

Yes I Can! Lessons Learned from a Life Less Ordinary is one book that will make you grateful for life and embrace all the world offers. The author shares his personal journey with what society calls developmental disabilities. As you read about Paul Wichansky’s story, you realize that, as human beings, we have a flawed perspective on what we consider normal. Raising a child, or being a child that is born with physical limitations, is not easy. With Paul Wichansky, however, the reader is enlightened on the multiple aspects of disabilities. The author himself is not a fan of the word disability. Paul Wichansky uses different phrases and embraces positivity when writing about his conditions. Paul Wichansky had hearing loss and cerebral palsy when he was young. Naturally, this would take a toll on the average kid but not Paul.

In his book, the author writes in-depth about what living with these conditions was like. Paul clinches on positivity. The author did not write this book to seek pity, nor did he feel sorry for himself. Dr. Wichansky starts the book by giving a little background about himself, writing about his family as he progresses to his later years. I like how the author took a free-style approach when writing. For example, Paul Wichansky could be narrating about his childhood, then in the middle of the paragraph, throws in some scientific information about specific conditions. By writing in this manner, the reader is educated on subjects rarely spoken about while enjoying the beautiful life story of the author.

Many things stand out from the author’s life and his writing. I like that the phrases used, the tales told, and the experience shared all have some positivity in them. Paul is here to help you deal with your sorrowful moments and convert them into happy moments. His life is testimony enough that no matter how difficult things may appear and how many obstacles you may have to overcome, you can still live an accomplished life. One of my favorite quotes from the book is ‘…that optimism can become your access to success’. This phrase makes a good inspirational quote that will keep many readers going.

While reading this book, the reader cannot help but ask themselves specific questions. Why are some things considered normal while others are not? Why are some conditions shunned? Why does society treat people that are differently abled peculiarly? Paul Wichansky answers these and more questions throughout the book. There are many lessons from the author, but the main lesson I got is that having a positive mindset will take you places.

Paul Wichansky has, through the chapters, discussed many crucial topics that will help everyone succeed in life. You learn about having a support group, having the proper perspective, building friendships, and keys to success, among many other topics. The best part of Yes I Can! Lessons Learned from a Life Less Ordinary is the photo section, where the author takes us down memory lane with his beautiful photos of family and friends.

Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0BJW1YKLH

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/06/yes-i-can/

Spiral by James M. Fisher is a captivating coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Michael Price, a young man deeply affected by his mother’s loss. His happy life crumbles when his father remarries a Trophy Wife, and Michael is forced to attend a Catholic private school, where he struggles to fit in. He befriends a football jock named Dave, who helps him make school feel less lonely. Michael is once again uprooted from his California life and is moved to Utah. He befriends Tony, who introduces him to the world of punk, self-destruction, and Danielle.

The author takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as we follow Michael through his struggles and triumphs. The story opens on a dramatic note, and I was immediately intrigued. Fisher adeptly highlights the stark contrast between life in California and life in Utah, adding depth to the story and characters. The dialogue feels real, and I began to feel sorry for Michael because of what he dealt with his stepmother and real father. I was sad to see Michael and his father’s relationship deteriorated after the passing of his mother.

Through vivid descriptions and Michael’s nightmares, the author allows readers to understand Michael better and relate to his angsty teenage character. I found it amusing that Michael referred to his parents as “real mom,” “jock dad,” and “trophy wife,” as this shows his true feelings towards the people in his life. This short read moves at a smooth pace, but the tension picks up in the middle of the book, immersing readers into Michael’s world.

This unpredictable and unexpected twist had me guessing until the very end. Overall, Spiral is an enthralling read that many readers will empathize with, as we have all experienced life-changing events that shape us into who we are today. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series.

Pages: 268 | ASIN : B07NFBVBZ9

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/06/spiral-book-one-of-the-crane-trilogy/

Whispering in His Ear by Yvette Walker is a book about having conversations with God. The book is divided into chapters that the author calls ‘conversations.’ Yvette Walker uses each chapter to focus on helping the reader develop their ability to hear and converse with God. The author does this through various devices such as her testimony, Bible verses, and exercises. In addition, Yvette Walker includes three different translations of many Bible verses, one of those translations being in Spanish. This helps the reader delve deeper into the Bible verse and understand the topic addressed in each chapter even more. 

Each chapter includes a prayer. The prayers are honest and succinct yet layered, allowing readers to develop a deeper prayer life. Each prayer is followed by an exercise. This helps the reader by allowing them to put the information gained from the chapter into practice. The activities in the book vary, and some include tasks that will involve the reader’s senses. Yvette Walker’s journalistic background and explicit theological knowledge are captured in her writing as she intertwines prayer, the exercises, and her personal testimony well.

One of the most inspirational parts of the text is when she discusses losing her joy while carrying out volunteer work. This occurrence inspired her to take her volunteer work to a new level. At this point in the book, the author asks the reader a series of rhetorical questions to get the reader to think about a time when they had been in a similar position. This section wisely deals with this topic, helping the reader to reflect without feeling judged. The author also includes an honest account of her feelings when the first COVID-19 lockdown happened. Finally, she uses the event to discuss Psalm 91. She delves into what the psalm meant in the heat of the pandemic and what the psalm still means today.

I recommend Whispering in His Ear by Yvette Walker to anyone who wants to deepen their prayer life. The author includes helpful content for the reader, fascinating analogies to help the reader understand more about their walk with Jesus, and honest testimonial stories. 

Pages: 84| ASIN : B09K5SCJF9

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/06/whispering-in-his-ear/

In the glamorous world of reality TV, the drinks are strong, the heels are high, and the mics are ALWAYS hot. For the women working behind and in front of the cameras, one of them will inevitably end up as the “most hated.” It’s all in the name of great entertainment, but when real life blends with reality television – no one comes out unscathed.

Coming May 2023

Published by rebooks.ca.

In the merciless world of reality TV production, six women try to change their lives. The drinks are strong and the mics are hot for those behind and in front of the camera on the latest iteration of the hit reality tv show, “Talk of the Town”. Make-ups, break-ups, and manipulation are all in the name of great entertainment, but when real life blends with reality content, it’s hard to tell the salt from the sugar. Most Hated is an insider’s look at the glamorous, precarious, and ruthless world of reality TV.

From the Book: “Do you live a fabulous, glamour life? Are you the “Talk of the Town”? A celebrated series about real women, living fabulous real lives, is currently casting. The hit docu-soap TV series will give viewers an inside look at the most glamorous women. For this version of the franchise, chosen participants will have the opportunity to work with an internationally acclaimed, award-winning director. We are looking for outgoing, exciting, strong, focused women who reside in New York City and want to share their lives with us—and the world.” They should be lively and energetic, with defined opinions and views. The women will have busy lives, strong work ethic, an active social calendar, and an enjoyment of the good life.” Written by Real Housewives Of Toronto cast member, Kara Alloway, this juicy and fascinating peek behind the curtain into the world of reality tv will have you gasping, shaking your head and laughing out loud. A contemporary tale of female friendships where no one sticks to the script.

Zoe wants nothing more than to get ahead. As a producer all her energy is invested in making Talk of the Town, the most memorable, highest rated, and most dramatic reality content. She is prepared to do everything and anything to make it so.

Dahlia is happily married to an NFL-hottie but believes being cast on this show is her chance to have something all her own. Except when the cameras start rolling, everything she knew for sure is no longer certain. The more she tries to fix what’s wrong, the worse it gets.

Sabrina — the celebutante, actress turned aristocrat, dubbed the “Countess of Controversy” by the tabloids — is looking for a win. She seemingly had it all, but when a #metoo incident sends her running home to America, her cousin Budgie convinces her to join the show. Except the pressure of filming, the pressure of her ex, and the pressure of her own expectations, almost ruin her life all over again.

Also on board are one-time teen singing sensation Nicole Trace, whose last number one hit was over twelve years and three DUIs ago, social media influencer Lexi who brings her 1.3 million followers to even the most private moments of her life and business tycoon Mariana who made the pages of Forbes peddling sex toys. The parties are outrageous, the closets are filled with expensive clothes and the gloves are off. When big personalities meet bigger consequences, it’s every woman for herself, because nobody wants to end up as the “most hated”.

An ideal beach read. Forget everything you thought you knew about reality television. Reality is what you don’t see.

REVIEWS

“Kara gives readers a behind-the-scenes perspective only a former reality TV participant could convey. A remarkable tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat.” – KATHY HILTON, Reality Television Star/Real Housewives of Beverly Hills/Paris in Love

“A hugely heartfelt and hopelessly addictive novel about female friendships. This multi–faceted story, where the lives of so-called ‘friends’ are irrevocably interconnected, will leave you feeling like you have just read about your own life.” – JILL ZARIN Reality Television Cast Member/Real Housewives of New York City/Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip

“This is ‘eye-ball’ entertainment at its finest. Most Hated has all the drama, glamor, and fun of reality tv but on the page.” – JOHN STEVENS/Reality TV Producer, Venture 10 Studio Group

“Kara Alloway not only gives readers a rare and unique personal insight into the dark corners of reality television in this highly entertaining, fun, and readable debut novel…” – ALICIA QUARLES/Entertainment Correspondent, E!/The Daily Mail

“If you are a Housewives fan then THIS is the book you’ve been waiting for!! Seriously. Hard. To. Put. Down!” – LEEANNE LOCKEN/ Real Housewives of Dallas

“Kara Alloway shows reality is truly never reality, especially when the cameras are rolling… My guess is Most Hated will be the ‘Most Talked’ about for a very, very long time.” – MELISSA PFEISTER/Namaste B$tches Podcast

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/06/most-hated-book-trailer/

Los dos Castillos de Mariana Vernieri es una novela histórica cautivadora que cuenta el viaje de una joven que lucha por su amor verdadero y la igualdad en la Cataluña del siglo XIII. Como heredera del vizconde Arnau, Ermessenda vislumbra un futuro justo para su pueblo. Sin embargo, sus sueños se desvanecen cuando es obligada a casarse con el hijo del Conde de Foix, de una región vecina. Exiliada y sola, encuentra refugio entre los cátaros, una comunidad espiritual. ¿Será Ermessenda capaz de mantener su identidad y casarse con quien ama, o serán la política y la religión las que dicten su camino?

En esta emocionante historia, la autora Mariana Vernieri lleva a los lectores a un viaje de amor y coraje mientras Ermessenda lucha contra la opresión. El estilo de escritura de Vernieri es cautivador y ofrece una vívida descripción de la era medieval, transportando al lector a la Cataluña de 1202. El personaje de Ermessenda es admirable, ya que es inteligente, valiente y además hermosa. Su padre, el vizconde Arnau, siempre quiso lo mejor para su hija, pero a veces su estatus nublaba su juicio. El romance prohibido entre Ermessenda y Robi lleva a los lectores en una montaña rusa de emociones mientras experimentamos la pasión que tienen el uno por el otro, al mismo tiempo que reconocemos los riesgos de iniciar una guerra. La escritura de Vernieri sumerge al lector en una historia mágica llena de historia y romance, con cada escena descrita vívidamente.

Mariana Vernieri captura sin esfuerzo los problemas contemporáneos de justicia social, convirtiéndose esta en una lectura inspiradora y relevante para muchos. Recomiendo encarecidamente esta historia cautivadora a aquellos que buscan un relato histórico interesante e informativo sobre el viaje de amor y coraje de una mujer notable.

Paginas: 509 | ASIN: B0BNWCKTT8

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/06/los-dos-castillos/