… after being speechless for a few days
Authors and book reviews … we try to tell ourselves to take bad reviews with a grain of salt because not everyone is going to resonate with our work … but if bad reviews are taken that way, then it’s only fair that good ones are as well. Right?
Wrong. It’s easy to be a hater. It doesn’t take much creativity or effort to spew mean things. But for a stranger to be moved enough to take time out of their life to craft glowing paragraphs about your work, they must mean it.
I just read a review of my latest book, Castle Gate, that took my breath away. This review—written by someone I don’t know and didn’t pay to say nice things—was beyond anything I ever expected but was everything I ever hoped for.
Here it is:
Reviewed by Laura R. Brush for Readers’ Favorite
(click the line above to visit the review page and/or purchase Castle Gate)
Castle Gate by Lisa Bonnice masterfully weaves together historical events across continents in a rich tapestry that illustrates the profound impact of the past on succeeding generations and the marks that historical occurrences leave on our collective consciousness. The author’s ability to evoke emotion resonates. The deeply human and relatable characters explore themes of trauma, healing, transformation, and the search for purpose and meaning while deftly navigating human complexities. The town of Castle Gate in Utah no longer exists but the story does magical justice to this historical happening in 1924. Bonnice’s storytelling is engaging and thought-provoking. Her vivid imagery and metaphor bring the story to life and prompt reflection on deeper themes and implications.
The narrative arc is expertly crafted. The conflicts and challenges faced by the characters illuminate broader truths about human experiences and our place in the world. Overall, the author’s writing is nothing short of brilliant. Lisa Bonnice has crafted a masterpiece that not only entertains and engages but also provokes profound introspection. While scholarly rigor is evident in the meticulous attention to detail, Bonnice’s tale invites the reader into a realm where history and mystery intertwine in a brilliant blend of fact and fiction. Her writing is evocative and immersive, transporting readers to the harsh realities of early 20th-century coal mining in Utah. Bonnice’s research shines through in vivid detail, bringing her ancestors’ stories to life with unflinching honesty. The plot is expertly developed, filled with compelling conflicts and unexpected twists that keep readers riveted from beginning to end. Castle Gate is a testament to Bonnice’s deep love for her family’s history. This book will leave you captivated and wanting more.
Ahem … if I may …
Overall, the author’s writing is nothing short of brilliant. Lisa Bonnice has crafted a masterpiece that not only entertains and engages but also provokes profound introspection.
There are no words for how this makes me feel (a rarity for a writer) so please allow me to express myself with this stock photo of a shiny little girl joyfully covered with colorful evidence of her artistic effort.